Arecibo aquarium owner pled guilty to felony violations
Ricordea polyps on reef substrate seized from the defendant.
Aristides Sánchez, owner of the Arecibo-based saltwater aquarium business, Wonders of the Reef Aquarium, pleaded guilty to two felony violations of the federal Lacey Act for collecting, purchasing, falsely labeling, and shipping protected marine invertebrate species as part of an effort to subvert Puerto Rican law designed to protect corals and other reef species, the Department of Justice announced.
A large part of the business was devoted to the sale of native Puerto Rican marine species that are popular in the saltwater aquarium trade.
Sánchez sent live specimens to customers in the U.S. mainland and foreign countries by commercial courier services.
From January 2013 to March 2016, Sánchez sent or caused to be sent at least 130 shipments of falsely labeled marine species that were illegally harvested in the waters of Puerto Rico, the agency said.
“While there is some variation in the price of Ricordea depending on coloration, size, and other factors, the retail value of Ricordea shipped by Sánchez typically ranges from $25 to $50 per item,” Justice stated.
From about Jan. 7, 2013, to about March 16, 2016, the retail value of the falsely labeled and/or unlawfully harvested marine invertebrates Sánchez shipped personally, or on his behalf with his knowledge, was between $800,000 and $1.2 million.
One of the most popular items that Sánchez sent off-island was an organism from the genus Ricordea. These animals are known as “rics,” “polyps,” or “mushrooms” in the aquarium industry.
Members of the genus form part of the reef structure and spend their adult lives fastened in place to the reef. These animals are colorful in natural light, but what makes them particularly interesting to aquarium owners is that they “glow” under the UV lights that are typically used in high-end saltwater aquariums.
“Coral reefs surrounding the island of Puerto Rico are some of the most valued and fragile natural resources in the region,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.
“The Division will continue to work with its enforcement partners to prosecute those who illegally harm the marine environment for commercial gain,” he said.
“We will continue to prosecute those who exploit our protected marine life for financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. “We appreciate the support of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration agents in this investigation.”
It is illegal to harvest Ricordea, zoanthids, and anemones in Puerto Rico if the specimens are going to be sent off-island or otherwise sold commercially, nor is there a permit available to do so. Sánchez personally collected some of the Ricordea and other reef creatures that he sold off-island.
On multiple occasions, he would accompany another person and they would snorkel from the shoreline in search of Ricordea. Because Ricordea are attached to the reef substrate, Sánchez would utilize a chisel to break off the animals, and in doing so, take chunks of the reef with him.
At other times, Sánchez would purchase the Ricordea from other sources, knowing or suspecting that the specimens had been harvested illegally.
“This investigation, serves as a fine example of ongoing joint investigative efforts related to the entire span of the marine life trade,” said Resident Agent in Charge David Pharo of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“Whether responsibility lies as the initial harvester, wholesaler, retailer or a public aquarium, the USFWS and partner agencies stand ready to investigate the matter and bring those responsible for poaching our nations sensitive marine life resources to justice,” Pharo said.
To cover up the nature of his shipments and to avoid detection from governmental inspection authorities, Sánchez would falsely label each shipment. The false labeling was one of identification whereby Sánchez would refer to living marine organisms as “pet supplies,” “aquarium supplies,” “LED lights,” or similar inanimate objects on shipping labels and invoices. At times, he used a fake name to cover his actions, the agency said.
“Our partnerships are vital to helping ensure the protection and sustainability of living marine resources. This investigation is another great example of how successful partnerships lead to effective results,” said Deputy Director Logan Gregory of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement.
“Investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit protected marine life is vital in helping to ensure a healthy ocean,” Gregory said.
Sánchez is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 20, 2017.
This whole operation seemed fishy to me from the get-go.