MA Fishermen Arrested for Illegal Striped Bass Fishing in RI Waters

NARRAGANSETT, RI—Three men have been charged under new laws crafted to prevent the illegal sale and harvest of Atlantic striped bass in local waters, the state Department of Environmental Management announced on Friday.

Authorities said Chad W. Braga, 31, of Swansea, MA, Brandon DeFaria, 34, of Rehoboth, MA and Michael A. Saviano, 35, of Warren, RI, were arrested for fin clipping violations and found to be in possession of bass that had not been clipped.

The regulations require recreational fishers to clip the right pectoral fin of striped bass 34 inches or larger when caught. Fish dealers cannot trade in fish without the fin. The idea is to prevent fish caught recreationally being sold in the commercial market to bypass catch limits and fishery restrictions.

The DEM said that Braga and DeFaria were found with six striped bass meeting the clipping requirement that were not clipped. They were fishing recreationally out of Galillee in Narragansett and will appear for arraignment in Fourth Division District Court on July 27.

Saviano—the first person arrested since the new regulations were enacted earlier this year—was arrested at Independent Park Boat Ramp in Bristol and found with two striped bass. He will be arraigned on July 22 in Sixth Division District Court.

"The striped bass fishery is an important one in Rhode Island. And preserving it and all our marine resources are responsibilities we take very seriously," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "These regulations are the latest step in our efforts to thwart illegal fishing practices in Rhode Island. I am extremely proud of our DEM Division of Law Enforcement and the commitment and professionalism our officers demonstrate every day in responding to illegal activity and bringing the people responsible to justice."

The DEM said that DeFaria and Saviano both hold commercial fishing licenses in Massachusetts with striped bass endorsements.