Authorities found a snook with a harpoon on a boat in Florida in what began as a speeding incident on the water and ended with an arrest.
The viral video was posted on a TikTok account (@boatramp6) that shares videos about wildlife law enforcement.
In the video, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission officer explains to a group of fishermen that their boat was stopped for speeding past a dive flag.
After being questioned by law enforcement officers, the fishermen denied having any fish on board. However, the officer was later heard scolding the group after discovering a cooler filled with snooker. The video ends with the fisherman being handcuffed.
“You are all under arrest,” the officer told the fishermen. “You’re all going to jail. Give me your driver’s licenses right now. This is all a scam.”
According to the FWC, snook is a species native to Florida that can grow up to 48 inches long. They are often found in coastal waters but can also tolerate fresh water. The FWC has regulations prohibiting certain activities to protect snook and other fish populations in the Sunshine State.
For example, Florida prohibits spearfishing in freshwater of any marine and freshwater species. These include snook, bonefish, blue crabs and other native species.
According to the National Park Service, protecting native fish helps maintain biodiversity and protect aquatic environments.
Not only does spearfishing endanger wildlife, it also puts humans at risk. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the sharks hunt for prey in habitats frequented by many fishermen. Spearfishing may result in increased contact with these animals and subsequent harm.
The TikTok video has received 1.1 million views and hundreds of comments. While reactions were mixed, many supported the police’s decision to arrest the fishermen.
“Snooker is heavily regulated,” one commenter wrote.
Another said: “People who say ‘it’s just a fish’ or ‘a waste of tax dollars’ don’t understand wildlife and resource conservation.”
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