On May 8th, 2026, Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) Officers patrolling the Merrimack River arrested two individuals for multiple violations, including fishing without a license, fishing on posted property, entering a restricted fish propagation area, and possessing more than two dozen protected river herring. River herring possession is strictly prohibited, and every illegal catch threatens the health of this recovering species.
But the work didn’t stop there.
On May 9th, the very next day, officers returned to the same location and encountered two different individuals fishing illegally, the same two people who were prosecuted for illegal fishing in this exact spot just one year ago. Both were arrested, and their gear was seized. Charges included restricted‑area fishing, posted‑property violations, striped bass violations, and for one individual, fraudulently obtaining a fishing license after having their license revoked last year.
All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a Massachusetts Court of Law.
In a small silver lining, the illegally caught striped bass was placed near a local eagle nest to help feed the eaglets, giving Mom a little extra “me time” just in time for Mother’s Day.
As the annual striped bass and river herring migration ramps up along the Merrimack, anglers are reminded:
- Only one striped bass may be kept per day, and it must measure between 28–31 inches.
- River herring possession is prohibited; any incidental catch must be released immediately.
MEP will continue to protect our natural resources, enforce the law, and ensure that everyone who enjoys the river can do so responsibly.
» If a violation is currently in progress, please call the Massachusetts Environmental Police Dispatch office at 1-(800) 632-8075