Environmental Police Officers from DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) take poaching seriously and are monitoring Rhode Island’s coastline and waters for compliance with fishing regulations. Last week, Officers received a report of an individual taking undersized and over-limit tautog at the Charlestown Breachway. Responding Officers determined that the suspect had left the area before arrival but observed a group of three fishermen catching and keeping undersized tautog. Officers contacted one of the individuals after observing him transfer fish to a cooler inside a vehicle containing 13 tautog, 11 of which were less than the minimum size of 16 inches. While walking out to make contact with additional members of the fishing party, an Officer observed one of the subjects discard additional fish despite commands to the contrary. The Officer found them to be in possession of 14 tautog, 11 of which were undersized. Officers issued a criminal summons to two subjects for possession over-limit and possession of undersize tautog. The subject that discarded fish upon the approach of the Officer received a civil citation for failure to obey. The penalties for these alleged violations will be determined by the presiding judge in court. The seized fish were donated to the Amos House in Providence, a nonprofit social service agency that provides direct support for men, women, and children in Rhode Island who are hungry, homeless, and in crisis.

Help us protect our state’s precious natural resources by reporting suspected poaching activity to DLE at 401-222-3070 (24/7). Calling our dispatch unit while suspected violations are occurring allows Officers the most immediate response to stop active poaching. Be prepared to provide accurate location information, details of the alleged illegal activity, clothing descriptions, and vehicle/vessel descriptions to help Officers locate and catch poachers in the act!
 
Help protect what is yours and maintain a sustainable fishery for generations to come. DEM reminds the public that new regulations are in effect for striped bass recreational fisheries, allowing for the taking of 1 fish between 28 and a maximum size limit of less than 31 inches in length. Find possession and size limits for commercial and recreational fishing at http://www.dem.ri.gov/marine.