Federal authorities are seeking fines of more than $2.7 million against Seattle-based American Seafoods, saying the company underreported its catch by doctoring the scales on its vessels.
The Seattle Times reports that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the practice dated as far back as 2007 on three American Seafoods’ factory trawlers, which catch and process Pollock off Alaska.
The feds say the scales were often off by 6 to 17 percent. By reporting lower weights, crews could process more fish than their federally allowed quota.
In one extreme case from 2007, a federal fishery observer aboard the company’s American Dynasty found that fish weighing 238 pounds registered as only 73 pounds — off by nearly 70 percent.
The company says it’s cooperating with NOAA and takes its commitment to sustainable fishing practices seriously.
