Authorities Find Illegal Bass at Pizza Restaurant

John Mitty Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Authorities were recently alerted by an anonymous tipper that a local pizza restaurant called Francesco’s Pizza in Babylon was selling illegal striped bass.  The bass are in danger of extinction thanks to overfishing, so fishing and selling of striped bass is regulated.  On October 16^th, the Department of Environment Conservation (DEC) sent agents to investigate the restaurant in person.  While on the premises, they discovered three untagged striped bass, as well as an additional 23 pounds of bass fillet stored in a cooler.  The total amount of illegal bass came out to 60 pounds.  Rather than let the meat go to waste, authorities donated it to Long Island Cares to feed the needy. 

To fish for striped bass, a fisherman must have a commercial fishing license and is only allotted a certain number of tags.  Any untagged fish are beyond the permissible fishing count and are considered to be illegal.  Frank Genovas, the owner of Francesco’s Pizza, was charged with four commercial misdemeanors, and may face up to $5,000 in fines per charge, as well as 1-4 years in jail.  He will be tried by the First District Court on December 11^th.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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