Eagle River man pleads no contest to wasting dogfish sharks

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- A charter boat operator has pleaded no contest to wasting dogfish sharks during sportfishing trips.

George E. Hiller of Eagle River pleaded no contest Wednesday to one count of wasting sport-caught fish, a misdemeanor. Hiller, 60, was ordered to pay $1,000 fine plus a $900 restitution for nine sharks caught. He also has to pay the cost of a charter that was booked by an undercover Alaska State Trooper.

The case came to light after a citizen complaint about Hiller, who owns Grey Eagle Charters. Hiller was slicing open the bellies of spiny dogfish sharks caught out of Seward from his vessel, according to troopers.

Troopers said they booked a charter with Hiller in August. On that excursion, Hiller reportedly killed nine sharks that were caught by clients. Hiller gutted the sharks and threw them back into the water, troopers said.