A giant bluefin tuna measuring over 9 feet long was seized by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management last week from a Massachusetts charter boat.
DEM officials took the fish and issued a criminal summons for the charter boat’s captain.
Authorities determined the captain was both being paid by clients on the boat and did not have the legally required Rhode Island commercial fishing license or necessary permit to fish in the state’s waters.
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The massive, 113-inch tuna was secured to the boat when it was seized from the captain.
The vessel was escorted to a nearby port, where the fish was unloaded and sold to a dealer with the proper license, authorities said.
Money from the purchase is currently being held in escrow.
“Giant bluefin tuna along the [Rhode Island] coast are an indicator of a healthy ecosystem and are great opportunities for properly licensed commercial fishermen,” DEM officials said.
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“[Rhode Island] Environmental Police Officers are committed to protecting this vital resource for the benefit of properly licensed fishermen who pursue these fish.”
