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. Here in the Ocean State, striped bass are a favorite of recreational and commercial anglers alike. Adhering to the rules is not only good for the health of our fisheries; it’s the law.

This past Monday (9/26), Rhode Island Environmental Police received a report from an anonymous caller who observed suspected poachers taking undersized and over-the-limit striped bass along the Seekonk River in East Providence. An Officer responded and contacted four poachers in a pickup truck as it was preparing to leave the area. The Officer observed eight striped bass, three of which were less than the minimum of 28 inches, in the truck’s bed. The driver was issued a criminal summons for possession of undersize and over-limit striped bass.

A second Officer arrived, and both Officers observed a different group of subjects cleaning what appeared to be undersized striped bass. These poachers were in possession eight undersize and two legal striped bass. Two subjects were issued criminal summons for possession of undersize and over-limit striped bass. One was also issued a citation for saltwater fishing without a license. A total of 16 striped bass were seized during this patrol. The fish were not suitable for human consumption due to improper storage. They were donated to the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island (Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island) to feed a Bald Eagle in their care. DLE would like to thank the anonymous caller for reporting the poaching activity while it was occurring to DLE’s 24-hour dispatch center.

This Tuesday (9/27), an Officer on patrol of the Narrow River in Narragansett located two Massachusetts residents, one of whom was actively fishing. The Officer located four undersized striped bass in their possession. A check of their vehicle found seven additional undersize striped bass. The poacher who was fishing admitted to catching all of the fish and was issued a criminal summons for possession of undersize striped bass and exceeding the possession limit of striped bass. The fish were seized, determined to be unfit for human consumption, and donated to the Wildlife Clinic.

Help us protect what is yours and protect Rhode Island’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 possible to stop active poaching. Please be prepared to provide accurate location information, details of the alleged illegal activity, clothing descriptions, and vehicle/vessel descriptions.

Help maintain a sustainable fishery for generations to come. Find possession and size limits for commercial and recreational fishing at http://www.dem.ri.gov/marine.