A Kotzebue commercial fisherman faces charges of waste after he left more than 100 salmon caught in a gillent to rot, Alaska State Troopers say.

Troopers issued a summons Aug. 6 for Roswell Schaeffer Sr., 66, for “waste of salmon” after he allegedly abandoned a half shackle of commercial gillnet filled with 103 salmon in the waters of the Kotzebue Commercial Fishing District.

Troopers did not reveal where the net was found but said they were given an anonymous complaint about a net and its location. After speaking with Schaeffer about the net, troopers issued him a summons to appear in court to face the misdemeanor charge.

If convicted, Schaeffer could face up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine. A troopers spokesperson said in an email that it’s more likely Schaeffer’s net will be forfeited and he’ll pay restitution and other fines.

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