Man cited for harvesting conch

A 36-year-old Jensen Beach, Florida man was cited Tuesday for harvesting two protected Queen Conch.

Michael Ross Finch was given a mandatory notice to appear in court citation for possession of Queen Conch and mutilation of Queen Conch.

Middle Keys Deputy Willie Guerra was called to the Kingsail Resort in Marathon about 3:30 p.m. regarding a pickup truck towing a boat trailer that had gone into the water at the boat ramp and had to be towed out.

Deputy Guerra dealt with that first, but before he left he saw a man, later identified as Finch, walk out of a hotel room.

Finch sat down near his hotel room door and began smashing the shell of a live Queen Conch with knife.

Deputy Guerra quickly approached and saw Finch had two live Queen Conch.

Finch stated he caught the Queen Conch while diving bayside. Finch stated he was unaware Queen Conch are a protected species.

The two Queen Conch were returned to the water alive.  

It is illegal to harvest or sell Queen Conch in Florida commercially or recreationally.

For more information about Queen Conch go to https://www.fws.gov/international/animals/queen-conch.html and https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/codes/prohibited-species/queen-conch/