Two Tongan fishermen caught fishing in the Fagatele Bay marine sancturary in American Samoa were arrested last week by local and federal law enforcement agents.
The fishing boat, which belongs to a Pago Pago businessman, and its catch were also seized.
The fishermen were anchored for two nights in thethe marine sanctuary, a federal protected area, and had been bottom-fishing.
Special Agent Martina Sagapolu says commercial fishing is prohibited in the sanctuary.
A federal investigation is now pending and the fishermen and fishing boat owner may face a fine of up to 100-thousand dollars.
