After making what is likely the catch of a lifetime, an 881 lb. bluefin tuna, Carlos Rafael learned that he would not be reaping the rewards of his work. Making shore with his prized catch, the fisherman was greeted by agents of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement. The fish was seized on technical grounds. (It was caught in a net, not with a rod and reel.)

No charges have yet been filed in connection with the catch, but a written warning is anticipated, according to Chris­tine Patrick, a public affairs specialist with NOAA who said the fish has been forfeited and will be sold on consignment overseas. Proceeds from the sale of the fish will be held in an account pending final reso­lution of the case, NOAA said. No information on the value of the fish was available Friday.

What should be seen as an accomplishment is vilified by red tape and arbitrary code.