Montauk, New York, U.S.A.-based fisherman Christopher Winkler has been sentenced to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release after originally being convicted of seafood fraud and conspiracy in October 2023.
Winkler, captain of the trawler New Enge, was accused of exceeding quotas and state limits on harvesting summer flounder and black sea bass on more than 200 fishing trips between 2014 and 2017. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Winkler falsified his fishing vessel trip reports to cover up the illegal activity. The government estimates Winkler's scam involved the overharvest of roughly 200,000 pounds of fish valued at USD 750,000 (EUR 708,000).
Winkler was also helped by Montauk-based fish dealers Bryan Gosman and Asa Gosman, who pled guilty in November 2021 to falsifying dealer reports as part of the conspiracy. The two fish dealers testified against Winkler in his trial.
A federal jury convicted Winkler on one count of federal criminal conspiracy, two counts of mail fraud, and two counts of obstruction of justice in October 2023.
“While most U.S. fishermen follow the law, some still feel that they are above it,” NOAA Office of Law Enforcement Northeast Division Acting Assistant Director Michael Henry said following the conviction. “It is our job to protect honest fishermen and good actors, and this verdict should serve as a reminder that those who break the rules will be held accountable.”
