Mass. fishermen snare giant, 881-pound tuna, feds take it Published: Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 11:11 AM Updated: Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 11:19 AM By The Associated Press The Associated Press Follow 11 Tweet Share close Digg Stumble Upon Fark Reddit Share Email Print NEW BEDFORD — It's the big one that got taken away. New Bedford fishing boat owner Carlos Rafael was elated recently when one of his bottom trawlers snared an 881-pound tuna. The Standard-Times reports the fish was likely inadvertently snagged as Rafael's crew was setting its net. A fish that big is hugely valuable — a 754pound tuna sold for nearly $396,000 this year. Rafael drove to Provincetown to meet his crew, but found federal fishery enforcement agents waiting to seize the fish. Rafael had tuna permits, but was told catching a tuna with a net is illegal. The fish will be sold overseas. Rafael will likely get a written warning, and no share of the proceeds if regulators find a violation. A frustrated Rafael will likely give up his tuna permits, saying they're apparently worthless.