R.I. officials nab alleged undersized fish poachers from Mass.

Three Massachusetts men were intercepted for marine fisheries violations in Rhode Island last week, authorities said.

Environmental police in Newport discovered the three men in possession of 48 tautog and 21 black sea bass, of which 47 and 20 were undersized, respectively, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

Catching undersized fish is illegal because it poses a risk to the overall fish population, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

None of the men were able to provide valid saltwater fishing licenses, according to the DEM.

Environmental police seized the fish and were reportedly able to return many of them to the water.

Authorities arrested the boat’s owner, who, in addition to receiving citations for boating safety violations, will face charges in district court, the DEM said.

“DEM is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Rhode Island’s marine resources and ensuring healthy, sustainable fisheries for all,” the department wrote in a statement to Boston.com on Wednesday.

Police did not release the names of those cited.

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