2 Massachusetts men charged with failing to remove striped bass fins

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (AP) — Two Massachusetts men are accused of failing to remove the fins from striped bass they caught recreationally in Rhode Island.

The Department of Environmental Management announced Friday that 31-year-old Chad Braga, of Swansea, and 34-year-old Brandon DeFaria, of Rehoboth, are charged with failure to fin clip striped bass in their possession.

DEM says the men were fishing out of Galilee, a village in Narragansett.

Under state regulations, recreational anglers are required to clip the right pectoral fin of any striped bass 34 inches or larger. It’s unlawful for a licensed dealer to purchase or offer for sale any striped bass with the fin removed. Officials say the regulations are aimed at thwarting illegal fishing practices.

The men are scheduled to be arraigned July 27. It’s unclear whether they have lawyers.