SOUTH THOMASTON – The Maine Marine Patrol has charged a lobsterman with using more than 150 lobster traps above what he was allowed.

Authorities say 52-year-old Brian Tarbox was charged after an officer inspected Tarbox’s traps and discovered they included tags belonging to another license holder.

The marine patrol then hauled in all of Tarbox’s traps and found he was using 156 traps more than his allotted amount of 800.

Tarbox is charged with a civil violation that carries a potential fine of up to $500. He also faces potential license suspension.

Tarbox’s son Samuel was also charged with using lobster traps that contain tags not registered to his vessel. He faces a fine of at least $100 and possible license suspension.

It was unclear Monday if either man had a lawyer.