On September 16, Environmental Police Officers from DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement made contact with a Massachusetts charter boat fishing commercially for giant bluefin tuna in state waters east of Point Judith. The captain had a recently killed a 113-inch bluefin secured to his vessel. Officers determined that the captain had paying clients aboard his vessel and did not have the required state commercial fishing license and Rhode Island Charter/Party fishing permit to fish in Rhode Island state waters. The vessel was escorted to port, where the fish was seized and sold to a licensed dealer. The captain was issued a criminal summons for the alleged violations, with the monies from the sold fish held in escrow.
Giant bluefin tuna along the RI coast are an indicator of a healthy ecosystem and provide great opportunities for properly-licensed commercial fishermen. Rhode Island Environmental Police Officers are committed to protecting this vital resource for the benefit of properly licensed-fishermen who pursue these fish.
Help protect what is yours and protect Rhode Island’s precious natural resources. Report suspected poaching activity directly to DEM law enforcement officers at 401-222-3070 (24/7). Calling our dispatch unit directly while suspected violations are actively occurring allows officers the most immediate response possible to stop poaching. Please be prepared to provide accurate location information, details of the alleged illegal activity, clothing descriptions, and vehicle/vessel descriptions. Adhering to the rules is not only good for the health of our fisheries; it’s the law. Find ‘possession and size limits’ for commercial and recreational fishing at http://www.dem.ri.gov/marine.
