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5 Driftnet Vessels Seized in Togiak

A handful of commercial fishermen from Togiak have been accused of fishing illegally outside of the Togiak Commercial Fishing District. Last week the Alaska State Troopers served 4 search warrants in Togiak that resulted in the seizure of 4 driftnet vessels that the Troopers allege fished illegally from 1 to 2 miles outside of the Togiak District. On Monday the Troopers served an additional search warrant that resulted in the seizure of a 5th driftnet vessel that the Troopers believe fished illegally. In a statement the Troopers report that they discovered the violations during a patrol of the Togiak Fishery on July 8th. The alleged illegal fishing by the 5 vessels resulted in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game closing the Togiak Section for 24-hours on July 15th because they believed the illegal fishing directly impacted the escapement of sockeye to the Togiak River. The defendants involved in the vessel seizures include 39-year old Rodney Gosuk, 52-year old Kevin Harless, 35-year old Alvero Sutton, 46-year old Anthony Poulsen, 21-year old Michael Poulsen, 44-year old Norma Ayojiak and 54-year old Leroy Fox. They were all arraigned earlier this month and the State Troopers confirm that the Office of Special Prosecutions made rule 11 offers to all of the defendants.