ANNAPOLIS, Md. - If an Eastern Shore lawmaker has his way, soon the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will no longer be allowed to place GPS tracking devices on boats.
Sen. Richard F. Colburn, a Republican who represents Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico counties, said attaching those devices without a warrant is unconstitutional. DNR strongly disagrees and does not plan on going down without a fight.
DNR officials admitted they placed the tracking devices on watermen's boats without them knowing, but what they have not done is show lawmakers proof from the courts granting them permission to do so. DNR officials claimed they received court-ordered warrants. They also have yet to identify the judge that granted these warrants.
"About eight boats or vessels in Dorchester County's watermen's boats had tracking devices placed on them," Colburn said. "At that time we asked the questions as to what judge issued the warrant and what was the result of the investigation."
All questions that Colburn had, still have not been answered.
Despite the outcry, DNR is standing firm. The agency argues a bill requiring a court order for tracking devices would simply jeopardize DNR investigations.
"The Department of Natural Resources opposes the bill," said Assistant Secretary for Aquatic Resources Frank Dawson. "We're concerned that in order to be able to enforce fisheries laws and regulations, we need all the tools we can get.
Colburn hopes the legislature passes his bill before the session ends in April, just in time for crabbing season.
