(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Michael Tenedine, 58, of East Haven, Connecticut, was found guilty after a trial of Operating a Charter Vessel without a Permit and Illegal Possession of Black Sea Bass for poaching and possessing Black Sea Bass, a protected species due to overfishing. The trial conviction comes as District Attorney Tierney ramps up his “Everblue Initiative” – a collaboration with state and local law enforcement to protect the more than 60% of Suffolk County square mileage that is water.
“We have a duty to protect Suffolk County’s vital ecosystems from disrespect and ruin,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My Everblue Initiative will ensure that future generations will enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, and exploring all that this county has to offer. This conviction is the latest example of what happens to those who selfishly seek to profit off of our natural heritage.”
The evidence at trial established that in June 2024, Tenedine captained the Connecticut-based charter vessel “Lucky Hook” from Connecticut into New York with a group of customer-fares on board. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Police found Tenedine circling in New York waters in the Long Island Sound near Mattituck.
The DEC determined that Tenedine was operating a charter vessel without a New York license, and, at the time of their boarding, was found to be in the unlawful possession of 30 Black Sea Bass during a closed season. As a result of extensive overfishing, the possession of Black Sea Bass is prohibited by law during certain times of the year to ensure the survival of the species.
On November 13, 2024, Tenedine was convicted of Operating a Charter Vessel Without a Permit and Unlawful Possession of Black Sea Bass after a bench trial heard before Southold Town Justice Court Judge Eileen Powers. Both charges are violations under the New York Environmental Conservation Law. Tenedine was sentenced to maximum fines and surcharges totaling over $3,250, which will go directly into the state’s conservation fund.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Williams of the Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team, with investigative assistance from members of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
To report illegal fishing activity, please visit SuffolkCountyNY.gov/DA and follow the prompt to report environmental crimes on the “Contact Us” screen.
