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Rhode Island Officers Seize Illegal Haul of Undersized Fish
Rhode Island Environmental Police intercepted three Massachusetts men in Newport during the week of Nov. 17 and uncovered a large haul of illegal fish, according to the state Department of Environmental Management.
Officers reported finding 48 tautog, 47 of them undersized, along with 21 black sea bass, of which 20 were also below legal size.
The men were also unable to produce valid Rhode Island saltwater fishing licenses during the check.
In Rhode Island, tautog must measure at least 18 inches to be kept, while black sea bass must be at least 12.5 inches. These size limits are designed to protect juvenile fish and ensure that enough mature fish remain in the population to reproduce.
Rhode Island Environmental Police remain active on the water as enforcement increases during late-season fisheries. Photo: Rhode Island DEM Facebook
The catch was seized on the spot. The DEM said many of the fish were still alive and were safely returned to the water. The agency described the discovery as a serious violation of the state’s marine regulations and a threat to long-term fish populations. NOAA notes that keeping undersized fish can reduce spawning potential and weaken future stocks.
Environmental officers arrested the boat’s owner and said he will face charges in District Court. He also received multiple boating safety citations in connection with the incident. The names of the individuals involved have not been released.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management later shared details of the case on its Facebook page, calling it another example of why protecting the state’s fisheries remains a top priority. The agency said its officers continue to focus on poaching cases, particularly during peak fall tautog season when violations tend to rise.
Rhode Island DEM outlined the violations in a Facebook update shared after the bust
“Protecting Rhode Island’s marine resources ensures healthy fisheries for everyone,” the DEM said in the post.
The DEM did not provide the names of the Massachusetts men, prompting speculation from the public that they may be in the country illegally, although officials have not confirmed this.
The department also reminded residents and visiting anglers to be aware of size and possession limits and to make sure they hold a valid saltwater fishing license before heading out on the water. Officials encouraged anyone who witnesses poaching or unsafe boating activity to report it immediately to the 24-hour enforcement line at 401-222-3070.
The post Rhode Island Officers Seize Illegal Haul of Undersized Fish appeared first on OutdoorHub.
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Rhode Island Officers Seize Illegal Haul of Undersized Fish
Rhode Island Environmental Police intercepted three Massachusetts men in Newport during the week of Nov. 17 and uncovered a large haul of illegal fish, according to the state Department of Environmental Management.
Officers reported finding 48 tautog, 47 of them undersized, along with 21 black sea bass, of which 20 were also below legal size.
The men were also unable to produce valid Rhode Island saltwater fishing licenses during the check.
In Rhode Island, tautog must measure at least 18 inches to be kept, while black sea bass must be at least 12.5 inches. These size limits are designed to protect juvenile fish and ensure that enough mature fish remain in the population to reproduce.
Rhode Island Environmental Police remain active on the water as enforcement increases during late-season fisheries. Photo: Rhode Island DEM Facebook
The catch was seized on the spot. The DEM said many of the fish were still alive and were safely returned to the water. The agency described the discovery as a serious violation of the state’s marine regulations and a threat to long-term fish populations. NOAA notes that keeping undersized fish can reduce spawning potential and weaken future stocks.
Environmental officers arrested the boat’s owner and said he will face charges in District Court. He also received multiple boating safety citations in connection with the incident. The names of the individuals involved have not been released.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management later shared details of the case on its Facebook page, calling it another example of why protecting the state’s fisheries remains a top priority. The agency said its officers continue to focus on poaching cases, particularly during peak fall tautog season when violations tend to rise.
Rhode Island DEM outlined the violations in a Facebook update shared after the bust
“Protecting Rhode Island’s marine resources ensures healthy fisheries for everyone,” the DEM said in the post.
The DEM did not provide the names of the Massachusetts men, prompting speculation from the public that they may be in the country illegally, although officials have not confirmed this.
The department also reminded residents and visiting anglers to be aware of size and possession limits and to make sure they hold a valid saltwater fishing license before heading out on the water. Officials encouraged anyone who witnesses poaching or unsafe boating activity to report it immediately to the 24-hour enforcement line at 401-222-3070.
The post Rhode Island Officers Seize Illegal Haul of Undersized Fish appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...