On May 13, 2025, Corey Potter, a 64-year-old Kodiak fisherman, was sentenced to one year in federal prison for orchestrating an illegal operation to transport crab from Alaska to Washington, violating the Lacey Act. Potter, who owned two crab catcher vessels, will also serve two years of supervised release, during which he is banned from commercial fishing worldwide. The case underscores the critical importance of adhering to regulations that protect Alaska’s sustainable fishing industry.
In February and March 2024, Potter directed his vessels, operated by his son Kyle Potter, 30, and Justin Welch, 34, to harvest over 7,000 pounds of Tanner and golden king crab in Southeast Alaska. Ignoring state requirements to land and report the catch in Alaska, Potter instructed the captains to ship the live crab to Seattle for higher profits. One vessel carried over 4,200 pounds of Tanner crab, some infected with Bitter Crab Syndrome (BCS), a fatal parasitic disease, while the other held 2,900 pounds of golden king crab. Despite warnings from fellow fishermen about the risk of spreading BCS and harming the industry, Potter proceeded.
The scheme led to significant losses: 42% of the golden king crab died during the journey, rendering it unsellable, and the entire Tanner crab catch was disposed of in a Washington landfill due to BCS contamination. In March 2024, law enforcement searched Welch’s vessel, and both Corey and Kyle Potter deleted text messages detailing the illegal plan and BCS risks to evade detection.
Potter pleaded guilty to two felony counts under the Lacey Act on February 7, 2025. The court highlighted his leadership role and the damage caused by bypassing regulations. Violations like these threaten the sustainability of our nation’s fisheries and the livelihoods of those who depend on them. The Justice Department is committed to enforcing laws that protect our natural resources and ensure accountability for those who prioritize profit over responsibility.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Benjamin Cheeseman added, “Alaska’s fisheries are a global model of sustainable, data-driven management… This sentencing serves as a clear reminder that there are serious consequences for those who break the rules.” The co-defendants faced penalties as well: Kyle Potter received five years’ probation, a five-year commercial fishing ban, and a $20,000 fine, while Welch was sentenced to three years’ probation and a $10,000 fine. Investigated by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Brickey, this case reinforces the need for compliance to safeguard Alaska’s fisheries.
Reference: U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Alaska. (2025, May 13). Kodiak fisherman sentenced to prison for directing illegal transport of crab from Alaska.
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