MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WJAR) — The Rhode Island Environmental Police Officers Association said eight people are facing fisheries violations after receiving reports of people taking undersized fish along the shoreline in Middletown.
According to environmental police, officers received a report on Sunday about several people taking undersized black sea bass and tautog.
Responding officers reviewed surveillance video and confirmed the reported violations, officials said.
Investigators said eight people in two groups were found to be in violation of fishing regulations. The groups had a combined total of 67 tautog, including 53 undersized fish, and 10 black sea bass, including six undersized fish.
Environmental police issued citations totaling $2,700 for fisheries violations, including fishing without a license, possession of over limit tautog, possession of undersized tautog, and possession of undersized black sea bass, a spokesperson said.
Officials said the illegally caught fish was donated to the Congress of the Birds to feed animals undergoing rehabilitation.
“EPOs would like to thank the concerned fisherman that reported the violations and encourage anyone witnessing a violation to report it immediately to DEM’s 24/7 Dispatch at (401) 222-3070,” the Rhode Island Environmental Police Officers Association said in a news release.