Md. waterman charged with poaching

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) charged a Maryland waterman Wednesday with poaching oysters.

Ben Harrison Marshall, 34 of Newcomb, was charged with taking oysters during closed season and operating a power dredge in an area reserved for hand tongs.

On Wednesday, an NRP officer observed a commercial work boat power dredging for oysters in the Ted Avon River, near the Bellevue Public Landing in Talbot County. When Marshall was questioned by the officer, he said he had been perch fishing -- even though no fish or fishing poles were found on the vessel. Upon inspection, the officer found five-and-a-half bushels of oysters hidden in the cabin of the boat. The oysters were covered by clothing in an attempt to conceal them.

Marshall’s charges carry a prepayable fine of $320 for operating a power dredge in an area reserved for hand tongs and $125 for taking oysters for commercial purposes during closed season. Marshall is set to appear June 17 in Talbot County District Court.