RI man charged with violating striped bass regs

A Warren man was the first person charged under a new striped bass tagging law when he was arrested recently at the Independence Park boat ramp in Bristol.

Michael Saviano, 35, was allegedly caught by DEM law enforcement officials with two striped bass in excess of 34 inches, that had not had their pectoral fins clipped.

Rhode Island’s new clipping law requires recreational fishermen to clip the right pectoral fin of bass 34 inches or larger. The law, which aims to cut down on the sale of illegally harvested bass, also makes it unlawful for a dealer to purchase and or/sell any bass with a clipped pectoral fin.

“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.”

Mr. Saviano, who holds a Massachusetts commercial fishing license with a striped bass endorsement, was caught with two un-clipped bass. He is due to be arraigned in Sixth Division District Court on Friday, July 22.

Since his arrest, two other men, both from Massachusetts, were both caught with unclipped fish in Galilee.