10 Mexican fisherman are in federal custody after being caught illegally fishing in federal waters off the coast.

The fishermen were found on two lanchas.

A lancha is a fishing boat approximately 20 to 30 feet long, typically has one motor and can travel at speeds more than 30 miles per hour.

On the lanchas, authorities found more than 580 red snapper on board.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, this type of illegal fishing has a serious impact on the red snapper population.

Over the past four months, the Coast Guard in the Corpus Christi sector stopped 20 lanchas.

Officials say the boats are frequently used to transport illegal narcotics into the U.S.

If you suspect someone is illegally fishing, there are two ways to report it.

If people are in state waters, nine miles off-shore, call Texas Parks and Wildlife at 1-800-792-4263.

For federal waters, call the U.S. Coast Guard at 361-939-6393