KEY WEST, Fla. — A Key West woman is facing multiple charges after state wildlife officers confirmed on Tuesday that she illegally harvested queen conch, a protected species in Florida waters.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Madison West, 25, is facing six violations of state administrative code, which bans the harvest, possession or transport of queen conch.
Under Florida law, it is illegal to kill, collect, harm, or even transport queen conch, regardless of where the shellfish were taken.
FWC said its investigation began July 8 after investigators received a Wildlife Alert tip pointing to social media photos of live queen conch aboard a vessel off Key West.
Following interviews with the boat’s owner, operator and West, investigators concluded that West had collected the live conch and brought them on board.
FWC said it treats marine life violations seriously and urged the public to report suspicious activity through its Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC or by submitting tips online.
West’s booking photo was not immediately available.
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