Big Pine Key Sperm Whale Bones
National Marine Fisheries Service, a division of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency, could charge Monroe County's director of Growth Management, Ty Symroski with violating the Endangered Species Act for collecting some bones from a decomposing whale carcass near the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge.
However, officials will say only that they are investigating the disappearance of bones from the 30-foot sperm whale. Those caught taking bones or teeth from the dead whale could be fined between $500 to $2,000, according to the agency's fee schedule. Bobby Dube, a public information officer for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said Friday. "It is illegal to possess parts of endangered animals even when they are dead."
The whale originally stranded off Big Pine Key in July and died several days later. Read earlier posts here.
Symroski boated to the area. Symroski said he took a huge, smelly rib bone and some vertebrae. "They were really cool," he said. "I used to go beachcombing on Sanibel Island and when I saw the whale was decomposing, I went out there." He said there was nothing indicating people should not disturb the carcass, no buoys or signs.
When he returned to shore, a Monroe County deputy stopped him. "It was about noon, they took our names and asked us where we worked," Symroski said. "They said to check with National Marine Fisheries." The next day, Symroski spoke with George Garrett, the county's Marine Resources director. "George said this is pretty serious. He said you're going to have to bring the bones back." "This was a stupid Sunday afternoon thing, thinking you're picking up something on the water and finding out it's a federal offense."
Symroski said he hopes this incident will alert people to the law, "because they are doing a good job of keeping people uninformed," he said, referring to Marine Fisheries. "They are leaving the bones out there to pick. I don't know why they couldn't get out there and collect the bones. They moved the body once," he said. "They chose to ignore it and now I'm going to be publicly embarrassed. I'm chagrined, but a little pissed and feel like I was set up. They should have properly disposed of the carcass in the first place."
However, officials will say only that they are investigating the disappearance of bones from the 30-foot sperm whale. Those caught taking bones or teeth from the dead whale could be fined between $500 to $2,000, according to the agency's fee schedule. Bobby Dube, a public information officer for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said Friday. "It is illegal to possess parts of endangered animals even when they are dead."
The whale originally stranded off Big Pine Key in July and died several days later. Read earlier posts here.
Symroski boated to the area. Symroski said he took a huge, smelly rib bone and some vertebrae. "They were really cool," he said. "I used to go beachcombing on Sanibel Island and when I saw the whale was decomposing, I went out there." He said there was nothing indicating people should not disturb the carcass, no buoys or signs.
When he returned to shore, a Monroe County deputy stopped him. "It was about noon, they took our names and asked us where we worked," Symroski said. "They said to check with National Marine Fisheries." The next day, Symroski spoke with George Garrett, the county's Marine Resources director. "George said this is pretty serious. He said you're going to have to bring the bones back." "This was a stupid Sunday afternoon thing, thinking you're picking up something on the water and finding out it's a federal offense."
Symroski said he hopes this incident will alert people to the law, "because they are doing a good job of keeping people uninformed," he said, referring to Marine Fisheries. "They are leaving the bones out there to pick. I don't know why they couldn't get out there and collect the bones. They moved the body once," he said. "They chose to ignore it and now I'm going to be publicly embarrassed. I'm chagrined, but a little pissed and feel like I was set up. They should have properly disposed of the carcass in the first place."
Posted @ 3:40 PM Post URL 
1 Comments:
Ty went to the 7 Mile Bridge, launched his boat with a friend, went straight to the whale, collected the bones, and came straight back to the ramp. It was an intentional trip. Also, he had much more than a rib bone. He had two huge jaw bones that were bigger than his boat. By the way, I see no mention here of the lawyer friend that was with him.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home