New Bedford, MA-based Quinn Fisheries has purchased six scallop vessels from former fishing mogul Carlos Rafael, the company confirmed with IntraFish Tuesday.
Rafael, also known as the 'Codfather,' has been ordered to pay the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a $3 million (€2.7 million) civil penalty, and permanently cease all fishing.
Carlos Rafael has until the end of 2020 to sell his remaining three dozen vessels and attached permits, the Gloucester Times reports, otherwise a trust, established as part of his settlement with NOAA Fisheries, will take control of the assets and force a sale, a senior NOAA attorney said Monday.
