Massachusetts fishermen busted for violating fishing laws, more than 100 fish seized

Fishermen on Cape Cod were recently busted for violating Bay State recreational fishing laws, as more than 100 fish were seized.

A Mashpee Natural Resources officer was conducting a proactive shellfish enforcement patrol at Callie’s Beach last week when he saw “suspicious activity,” according to the agency.

The officer, Christopher Lucier, spotted a group of recreational fishermen leaving the shoreline with a heavily loaded cooler.

“Trusting his instincts, Officer Lucier initiated an investigation that uncovered a significant number of fish that were both undersized and in excess of Massachusetts recreational fishing regulations,” Mashpee Natural Resources posted. “After consulting with the Massachusetts Environmental Police, he conducted a thorough inspection and count of the catch.”

The officer found 66 illegally possessed black sea bass that were undersized and/or over the legal possession limit — along with 43 illegally possessed scup, 20 of which were undersized.

All illegally possessed fish were seized, while the fishermen were allowed to keep the fish they were legally entitled to possess, in accordance with Massachusetts Environmental Police.

The seized fish were turned over to Massachusetts Environmental Police for follow-up enforcement action.

“This case is a direct result of Officer Lucier’s vigilance, initiative, and proactive patrol efforts,” Mashpee Natural Resources wrote. “His attention to detail resulted in the seizure of 109 illegally possessed fish and held those responsible accountable for violating Massachusetts recreational fishing regulations.

“Outstanding work by Officer Lucier and another excellent example of why proactive enforcement matters,” the agency added. “We also thank the Massachusetts Environmental Police for their continued partnership. Recreational fishing regulations — including size limits, possession limits, and licensing requirements — exist to protect our fisheries and ensure these resources remain healthy and sustainable for generations to come.”