RI DEM Seizes 120 "Undersized and V-Notched" Lobsters Off Point Judith, Files Federal Charges

RI DEM Seizes 120 "Undersized and V-Notched" Lobsters Off Point Judith, Files Federal Charges

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is reporting that it recently seized 120 illegally trapped lobsters -- and is filing federal charges. GoLocalProv.com reports. 

According to the DEM:

Last week Environmental Police Officers from DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement responded to Point Judith to assist federal partners from NOAA with a commercial fisheries boarding. 

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Officers boarded an offshore lobster boat that had been fishing in federal waters to inspect its catch. 

During the inspection 116 undersized and 4 V-notched lobsters were discovered. Since this was a federal violation charges will be filed by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. The undersized and V-notched lobsters were returned to the water alive.

RI DEM said violations should be reported to its 24 hour dispatch at (401) 222-3070