DEM fines man $9,000 for illegally fishing off Block Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said Wednesday that they’ve fined a man for fishing in an off-limits zone off Block Island in June.

Spokesperson Jay Wegimont said William McLaughlin, III was fined $9,000 for possessing striped bass in an exclusive economic zone.

On June 30, officers saw McLaughlin’s vessel dump striped bass at night before fleeing to avoid law enforcement.

Eventually officers caught up to him, apprehended the vessel, and “found two large striped bass onboard.”

Judge Coughlin, explained the importance of protecting the aquatic life in Rhode Island, saying in part, “While unlawful possession of one or two fish may not seem to be of consequence to [McLaughlin] when considered in a purely individual context,” he said. “when it is considered amidst the backdrop of an already struggling fishery and a seemingly rampant disregard for its conservation by “prolific” unlawful fishing activity, such behavior, even individually, is especially grave.”

For questions about striped bass fishing rules and regulations in RI state waters, contact the DEM Division of Marine Fisheries at 401-423-1923.