3 Fish Poachers Busted In Rhode Island

Photo courtesy Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

A boat owner was arrested in Rhode Island last month after he was allegedly found poaching fish with two other people.

According to Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management officials, Rhode Island Environmental Police Officers intercepted three Massachusetts men in Newport, Rhode Island for multiple marine fisheries violations in mid-November.

The men were allegedly in possession of 48 tautog — of which 47 were undersized — 21 black sea bass — of which 20 were undersized — and they failed to produce valid saltwater fishing licenses.

The total catch was seized, and officers were able to return many of the fish to the water.

The boat owner was arrested and reportedly will be charged in district court, and he was issued citations for boating safety violations.

DEM officials said anyone who sees suspected poaching or unsafe activity on the water should report it at 401-222-3070.