A 61-year-old commercial fisherman from South Carolina has been sentenced to prison for making false statements about overfishing and falsifying records regarding sensitive fish species. Don Michael Rynn, whose fishing operations were based in the McClellanville area, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, along with a $7,500 fine.
Why It Matters
Rynn was found guilty of overfishing snowy grouper and tilefish, both valuable species prized by restaurants for their quality. The case highlights the growing efforts to combat overfishing, which can severely impact marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of commercial fishermen who follow the law.
The case stemmed from a federal investigation triggered by a tip in 2023 to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). After a three-day trial in March 2025, a Charleston jury convicted Rynn of falsifying records related to fish catches and obstructing justice by lying to investigators.
The Trial and Sentencing
At trial, federal prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including witness testimony, video footage, and expert opinions, showing that Rynn’s actions contributed to harm in the fishing industry. Prosecutors argued that overfishing can cause long-term damage to fish populations and lead to economic losses for others in the commercial fishing business.
Rynn’s defense attorney, Brendan Daniels, requested probation for his client, citing Rynn’s difficult but honorable life as a fisherman.
Daniels described Rynn as a hard-working man with limited formal education but exceptional mechanical skills, emphasizing that he had worked on fishing boats for over 40 years and had raised children while facing many hardships.
However, Judge Richard Gergel rejected this plea, noting that a probationary sentence would undermine respect for environmental laws.
Prosecutors had argued that prison time was necessary to demonstrate the seriousness of falsifying fishing records, particularly when it involves threatened species like snowy grouper and tilefish. They contended that probation would send the wrong message and weaken enforcement of environmental laws.
Impact on the Fishing Industry
The case underscores the importance of maintaining healthy fish populations and managing fisheries effectively. Overfishing not only threatens marine ecosystems but can also harm those who depend on these resources for their livelihoods.
By imposing a prison sentence, the court has sent a strong message about the seriousness of overfishing crimes and the importance of enforcing regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
The Investigation
The investigation into Rynn’s actions was carried out by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the DNR Saltwater Team.
Federal prosecutors Winston Holliday and Amy Bower led the case, highlighting the collaborative effort among various agencies to protect marine resources.
