Two Florida business owners have been charged with third-degree felonies for allegedly spreading approximately 1,500 mothballs on a St. Petersburg beach in an attempt to prevent endangered black skimmers from establishing a nesting colony.
Robert Czyszczon, owner of the Plaza Beach Hotel, and Christopher Monroe, owner of Chris’s Beachside Bar, are accused of scattering the pesticide-laden mothballs on St. Pete Beach in late April. If convicted, they could each face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
Beachgoers first noticed the mothballs on the sand, prompting a response from officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and volunteers from the Audubon Society. Approximately 1,000 mothballs were removed, with another 500 appearing the following night.
FWC officials stated that the mothballs were placed in an area where black skimmers, a state-listed imperiled species, were attempting to nest. The placement also posed a risk to other wildlife and children who could come into contact with the toxic substance.
Investigators gathered evidence, including surveillance footage and cellphone data, which led them to Monroe and Czyszczon. Authorities allege the men acted out of fear that nesting birds would reduce customer traffic and revenue at their businesses. Text messages between the two allegedly discussed their objections to the birds and plans to deter them from nesting.
One text message reportedly read, "They're the worst birds," in anticipation of nesting season. The men also allegedly expressed concern about fences being put up by bird advocates, which they believed would impede beach access.
Cellphone tower data placed Monroe's phone at the same location as Czyszczon's phone on the nights the mothballs were discovered. Czyszczon reportedly purchased a large quantity of mothballs from Walmart for about $60 the day before they first appeared on the beach.
In addition to the third-degree felony charge for illegal dumping, Monroe and Czyszczon also face a misdemeanor charge for the attempted take of a state-listed imperiled species by harassment. Both men have been released on bond.
Black skimmers nest by creating depressions in the sand near the surf to lay their eggs and raise their young. The FWC estimates that several hundred of the approximately 6,800 black skimmers in Florida reside on the beaches of Pinellas County.
According to an educational publication by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, mothballs contain pesticides that can harm people and wildlife. The FWC noted that while the birds were likely not physically harmed, the incident delayed their nesting, potentially endangering young birds if they have not fledged before the end of hurricane season on November 30.
Attorneys for Czyszczon did not respond to requests for comment, and Monroe reportedly does not have an attorney and could not be reached.