Chris Bates
Illegal Sale – Hempstead Township/Nassau County
On November 15, 2025, ECOs Berketis and Smith responded to a report of a group transferring oversized striped bass into a cooler behind a residence in the Village of Freeport. ECO Smith arrived at the location first, discovered the reported residence was really a deli, and observed a large cooler with 18 striped bass ranging in size from 28 to 41 inches. Suspecting deli employees were in the process of illegally purchasing striped bass, the ECOs questioned the employees and one of them eventually admitted to a plan to purchase approximately 150 pounds of striped bass from an angler for $375 ($2.50/pound).
The Officers contacted the angler by phone, but the subject was uncooperative and resistant to meeting with the ECOs.
On November 23, 2025, ECO Smith spotted the angler’s truck and trailer at a local boat ramp. Officer Smith then contacted ECOs Berketis, Pabes, and Ruffle to help keep watch throughout the day. The angler returned later with two men on board. The trio were found in possession of seven more striped bass—more than the limit of one striped bass per person per day. A wholesaler valued the fish at more than $500.
ECOs issued 19 tickets to four individuals for charges including possession of oversized striped bass, possession of over the limit of striped bass, unlawful sale of untagged striped bass, and unlawful take of striped bass without a permit. Misdemeanor charges were also filed for the illegal sale/offering for sale of fish/wildlife with a value exceeding $250.
Striped bass are a multistate highly regulated species due to noticeable population declines. To protect the species, the member states of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission cooperate in setting harvest limits and other regulations for recreational and commercial striped bass fishing. The illegal take and commercialization of striped bass impact the fishery, recreational anglers, commercial anglers, wholesalers, retailers, and restaurants.
Illegally caught stripped bass on the bed of a truck
Striped bass illegally possessed in Nassau County
