Striped bass are an anadromous species, meaning they live in saltwater and migrate up rivers to spawn in freshwater. Their migratory nature along the Atlantic Coast makes them susceptible to overfishing as they make their journey north in the spring, and south in the fall. With their population in a decline, enhanced management strategies have been put in place to aid in rebuilding the stock. All laws pertaining to striped bass are a priority for MEP officers.
On June 16, 2026, MEP Officers were made aware of a party illegally fishing within a restricted area along the Merrimack River. The party left the area before MEP Officers were able to arrive on scene. An MEP Officer reached out to the Lawrence Police Department Detective Division requesting assistance in locating the vehicle involved in the illegal fishing. LPD was able to obtain footage of an involved vehicle, allowing MEP Officers to identify the party. MEP Officers located the party, who was then placed under arrest for multiple fishing violations. These violations included fishing on posted property, fishing within a fish propagation area, possession of over the limit striped bass, and possession of striped bass exceeding the legal slot size. So far this season, there have been thirteen arrests at the Lawrence Dam for fisheries related violations. MEP thanks the Lawrence Police Department Detective Division and Patrol Division for their assistance in the investigation and support into MEPs mission of conservation law enforcement.
MEP reminds everyone that the legal limit for recreational striped bass is one fish per angler measuring 28″ to under 31″ from the lower jaw to the furthest extremity of the tail with the tail squeezed together.
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