Rockland - A Maine lobsterman and his son are making their first court appearance on charges they were in possession of more than 400 illegal lobsters.

Forty-eight-year-old Ricky Curtis of Union and his son, 29-year-old Todd Curtis of South Thomaston, are being arraigned Monday in Knox County District Court on charges of illegal possession of V-notched and mutilated lobsters.

Maine Marine Patrol officials say the illegal lobsters were discovered during an inspection of the father's boat in December.

By law, egg-bearing lobsters that are caught must be returned to the ocean and have their tails notched, marking them as breeders that become off limits.

Officials say the men face potential fines of up to $190,000.

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