Ten people have been charged following a multi-year undercover investigation into an illegal commercial fishing operation in Florida that authorities say involved roughly 23,000 pounds of poached fish and more than $150,000 in illegal seafood and sea turtle sales.

According to CBS News, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the charges alongside the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and local law enforcement following an investigation by FWC and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

The investigation began in May 2022 as authorities looked into complaints of reef fish poaching. Investigators said one of the suspects approached undercover officers about purchasing illegally caught fish.

Authorities allege the group routinely harvested red snapper and gag grouper beyond legal limits and avoided reporting requirements by selling fish dockside at night, from their homes, and through handoffs on the water.

Three of the suspects, Terry Carrington, Anthony Folsom and Jordan Neylan, are also accused of illegally catching protected sea turtles. Investigators said the three sold five turtles, including three adults and two hatchlings, to undercover officers.

“We plan to leave Florida better to God than how we found it, and poachers abusing our natural resources will be prosecuted to the fullest extent,” Uthmeier said. “Those who abuse our waters and wildlife will find out how tough our laws are.”

Franklin County Sheriff AJ “Tony” Smith said the alleged activity affects resources that are closely tied to the county’s fishing community and economy.

“The natural resources found in our waters are so very important to our county and the livelihood of so many,” Smith said. “The fish and turtles are more than part of our landscape; they are part of our way of life.”

Authorities are encouraging anyone who witnesses suspected wildlife violations in Florida to report them to FWC.