DEP’s Environmental Conservation Police

Greetings,

As most of you are aware, 2011 will be the second full year in which a Marine Waters Fishing License will be required in the marine district in Connecticut. With that in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to bring to your attention the EnCon Police Division’s commitment to supporting sustainable fisheries management. Successfully managing a fisheries species takes a cooperative effort between natural resource managers, law enforcement, commercial and recreational fishermen. We have a responsibility to help protect marine species through the fair and impartial enforcement of state and federal natural resource laws and regulations. We also recognize that enforcement is only one aspect of our mission. We support marine fisheries programs through public outreach, education and providing resources to marine fisheries initiatives such as the v-notch lobster program. Whether it is lobster, striped bass, tautog or river herring, all of us have a stake in keeping the populations of these species healthy for future generations.

Please remember to assist us with our mission by reporting suspected poaching activity by calling our toll free hotline at 1-800-842-4357.

Thank you and good luck!

Colonel Kyle Overturf

Director-Division of State Environmental Conservation Police

Bureau of Outdoor Recreations

Fishing Violations and Fines

• Fishing without a license: $87.00
• Violation of sport fishing regulations (includes closed season, bag and size limits, methods of take and specific area restrictions: $154.00 per count
• Destruction of posted notice: $87.00
• Failure to carry fishing license while fishing: $87.00
• Violation of salmon fishing regulations: $87.00
• Fishing while license or privilege suspended: $150.00
• Illegal fishing for or taking of fish or bait in the Inland District: $154.00 per count
• Unauthorized fishing in reservoir: $250.00
• Unauthorized obstruction of streams or ponds: $250.00
• Illegal fishing near fishways: $250.00
• Operation of a motorboat on Bantam River: $50.00
• Transporting vessel or trailer without properly inspecting for, removing and disposing of vegetation. $95.00

The list above is only a partial listing of violations and their fines. These and other fisheries violations will be accompanied by a suspension of your hunting, fishing and trapping license(s). Help protect our natural resources for future outdoor sports enthusiasts, obey the law and report suspected violations by calling 1-800-842-HELP.