NEWINGTON — The captain of a 400-foot-long Panamanian cargo ship was arrested by New Hampshire Fish and Game agents June 6 for using stolen lobster and crab fishing gear and for being unlicensed, according to the state agency.
Conservation officers received a tip about illegal lobster activity occurring on a freighter, the Franbo Lohas, docked in town, according to Fish and Game. The agents found the vessel had stolen lobster traps that belong to New Hampshire commercial fishermen. They were filled with lobsters, crabs and bags of blue mussels, while a submerged wire cage had an undersized, female egg-bearing lobster, officials said.
The captain of the ship, a native of Vietnam, was arrested and charged for marine poaching, according to Fish and Game.
To read more, visit seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2025/06/13/marine-poaching-cargo-ship-captain-stole-nh-lobster-traps/84172370007.
Captain charged with multiple counts related to lobsters, crabs, mussels
The captain was charged with three misdemeanor counts for lobster and crab fishing without a license, in addition to illegally possessing stolen lobster gear. The captain also was cited for five violations for illegal trap construction, possession of an undersized, egg-bearing lobster, unlawful possession of crabs, unlawful possession of blue mussels, and for possessing an egg-bearing crab.
“An expedited arraignment was facilitated by the Portsmouth District Court and an interpreter was provided to the defendant to address the violations before the international ship and crew departed,” Fish and Game reported.
The ship captain pleaded guilty to the charges and paid fines on June 11 after being convicted, according to Fish and Game.
“All identifiable gear belonging to licensed (New Hampshire) lobster fishermen will be returned,” a Fish and Game announcement stated.
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