Over the course of the third week of October, Rhode Island Environmental Police Officers seized more than 70 illegally harvested tautog and black sea bass from two poachers fishing in state waters.
The seizure occurred during routine conservation enforcement patrols. According to DEM officers, the vast majority of the seized fish failed to meet Rhode Island’s legal minimum size limit of 16 inches. The two individuals involved were cited for multiple marine fisheries violations, resulting in fines totaling over $3,000. Although deemed unfit for human consumption, the confiscated catch was donated to a local wildlife rehabilitation facility to feed recovering animals.
Under current Rhode Island marine fisheries regulations, the recreational tautog season features a 16-inch minimum size limit, with only one fish allowed over 21 inches per angler. From October 15 through December 31, the daily possession limit is five fish per person, subject to a maximum boat limit of 10 fish per vessel.
Environmental Police emphasize that compliance with size and bag limits is vital for protecting local fisheries and ensuring sustainable marine resources for future generations.
The public is encouraged to report suspected fishing violations to the Rhode Island Environmental Police 24-hour dispatch center at (401) 222-3070. Detailed marine fisheries size and possession limits can be accessed online at https://dem.ri.gov/marinesizes.
