Massachusetts Environmental Police

05/27/2026

Wilmington PD received a call for a mother duck walking around in morning traffic next to train station with ducklings stuck down in storm drain. MEP worked with their PD, DPW and civilian volunteer to remove drain cover and net the duckling out, then walked mom with ducklings down to nearest pond and reunited them.

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

Operators found to be boating under the influence can expect to incur severe penalties. The Massachusetts Environmental Police want to remind all boaters that operating under the influence poses serious risk to you, your passengers and everyone else around you.

05/22/2026

Exciting day for our new recruit officers!
The morning kicked off with boat safety inspection training at the Medina Street State Boat Ramp in Chicopee, ensuring boaters had the proper safety equipment, especially with the river's high waters.

Next stop: Holyoke, where they joined officers to tour the HG&E Dam and Fishway and learn about the world of anadromous fish migration for Shad & Striped Bass in the Connecticut River.

Last, but not least, they wrapped up the day with freshwater fishing inspections in South Hadley and Holyoke.

The Environmental Police are proud of these dedicated officers who are committed to serving the people and visitors of western Massachusetts with professionalism, and a focus on resource protection and safety

05/22/2026

Always be aware of your surroundings while on the water.

05/20/2026

Don’t become another statistic. Safe boating is smart boating.

05/18/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐏 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑠 𝐸𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑙𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒.

On May 8th, 2026, MEP Officers patrolling the Merrimack River arrested two individuals for multiple violations, including fishing without a license, fishing on posted property, entering a restricted fish propagation area, and possessing more than two dozen protected river herring. River herring possession is strictly prohibited, and every illegal catch threatens the health of this recovering species.

But the work didn’t stop there.

On May 9th, the very next day, officers returned to the same location and encountered two different individuals fishing illegally, the same two people who were prosecuted for illegal fishing in this exact spot just one year ago. Both were arrested, and their gear was seized. Charges included restricted‑area fishing, posted‑property violations, striped bass violations, and for one individual, fraudulently obtaining a fishing license after having their license revoked last year.

All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a Massachusetts Court of Law.

In a small silver lining, the illegally caught striped bass was placed near a local eagle nest to help feed the eaglets, giving Mom a little extra “me time” just in time for Mother’s Day.

As the annual striped bass and river herring migration ramps up along the Merrimack, anglers are reminded:
• Only one striped bass may be kept per day, and it must measure between 28–31 inches.
• River herring possession is prohibited; any incidental catch must be released immediately.

MEP will continue to protect our natural resources, enforce the law, and ensure that everyone who enjoys the river can do so responsibly.

05/15/2026

Kicking off National Safe Boating Week in Style…May 15th is Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day 🛟
Colonel John Monaghan of the Massachusetts Environmental Police reminds to do your part and always wear a life jacket, there’s no excuse not to!

05/14/2026

Massachusetts Environmental Police Underwater Technology Team Assists in Plane Crash Investigation

On May 2nd, the MEP Underwater Technology Team was requested to assist in a multi‑agency response after a small aircraft crashed into O’Laughlin Pond in New Salem, north of the Quabbin Reservoir. The pilot had been safely rescued the previous evening by the Massachusetts State Police (MSP).

With approximate location information provided by MSP and DCR staff, MEP officers began a targeted search. Within 30 minutes, the team successfully marked a likely sonar target. Multiple passes from different angles confirmed the signature, and the team deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to obtain visual verification.

The ROV captured clear images of the aircraft’s tailfin, unique tail numbers, and 360‑degree views of the wreckage. Officers also confirmed that the pilot had been traveling alone, all without placing divers in the water. The aircraft was located resting in 18 feet of water, with the cabin approximately 11 feet below the surface.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police Underwater Technology Team consists of eight highly trained officers who perform this specialized work in addition to their regular patrol duties. For more than a decade, these officers have provided answers, closure, and peace to families across the Commonwealth. Their expertise supports:
→ Waterborne accident investigations
→ Aircraft, vessel and motor vehicle recoveries
→ Searches for missing or deceased persons
→ Commercial marine fisheries gear enforcement

The Massachusetts Environmental Police is proud of the exceptional skill and dedication demonstrated by our Underwater Technology Team. They have operated sonar and ROV equipment in depths up to 330 feet in a variety of situations such as tidal zones, rivers, under winter ice, and in both freshwater and saltwater.

05/13/2026

Massachusetts Environmental Police’s newest officers recently spent time training at the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction in New Bedford — a cornerstone of the region’s commercial fishing industry for over 30 years, where thousands of pounds of fresh seafood are bought and sold daily.

As part of their marine fisheries training, officers learn to:
• Identify and measure marine fish and shellfish species
• Review vessel trip reports and understand state and federal permits and limits
• Learn fish management areas and observe and quantify offloads
• Inspect lobsters for eggs, v‑notch tail markings, and size compliance

During this inspection, officers identified an over‑sized lobster violation, reinforcing the importance of hands‑on learning in real‑world conditions.

MEP is the only agency that regularly inspects seafood from harvest at sea to landing at port and sale in markets, ensuring sustainability and compliance at every step.

There’s no better classroom than New Bedford, proudly holding its title as the Nation’s highest‑valued catch port for the 23rd consecutive year.

Protecting our marine resources - from ocean to auction.