Two men sentenced for breaking fishing laws

Two men killed undersized sailfish caught by patrons
BY VANESSA BLUM South Florida Sun-Sentinel
March 1, 2008
A Fort Lauderdale federal judge sentenced two former charter fishing crew members Friday for breaking environmental laws by killing undersized sailfish hooked by customers.

U.S. District Judge William Zloch sentenced Ralph "Benny" Pegram, 44, of North Miami Beach to one year and one day in prison and two years' probation and Brian Schick, 33, of North Miami to three years' probation.

According to prosecutors, the two men, along with other charter employees, also coerced anglers on the Therapy IV fishing vessels to sign expensive mounting contracts with a Broward County taxidermy firm, falsely claiming the actual fish would be used in the trophy. In reality, the customers received replicas made from artificial materials using molds.

"I am very sorry," Pegram said before being sentenced. "I realized we were taking something very beautiful and making something real ugly out of it.

"Florida regulations require all sailfish caught by recreational anglers to be reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and prohibit the harvesting of any sailfish measuring less than 63 inches from the lower jaw to the fork of the tail. Adult sailfish typically measure 68 to 90 inches. Pegram and Schick received reduced sentences because they pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Stanley Saffan, who owned the Miami Beach charter business. Saffan and two other crew members have pleaded guilty to similar charges and await sentencing.

Schick, who served as captain on some charters, must also pay a $3,000 fine. Pegram, who worked as a mate, received a stiffer sentence because he had prior convictions and was caught using crack cocaine while on bail. Both men are barred from working in the charter fishing industry while on probation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-Fitzgerald said the case should send a message to other charter operators.

"It is clear that this industry is permeated with a view that tourists are targets ... and they come here to be fleeced," Watts-Fitzgerald said.
Attorney Jason Grey, who represents Schick, said the fish at issue for his client was just 1 1/2 inches too short.

"It shouldn't have been done, but I don't think it's so horrible, Mr. Schick should be made an example," Grey said.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbfish0301sbmar01,0,1166168.story