During a ride-along in Jamestown, Marine Patrol Officer Bob Murtha checked fishing licenses and measured fish caught by people along the shore. He found two fish measuring 14 inches — two inches below the 16-inch minimum for that species — and issued a ticket to the angler, while warning others whose fish appeared undersized.

The minimum size and possession limits vary by species and can change by season, according to the state Department of Environmental Management.

Murtha, who has worked for DEM for more than a decade, said officers aim to help people understand the rules as well as enforce them.

"We want you to go in the right direction," he said. "We don't want you to end up doing violations."

The recent case that prompted the public reminder involved two anglers in state waters who were cited for multiple violations after authorities seized more than 70 tautog and black sea bass. Most of the fish were below the legal minimum size, according to reports of the seizure.

Murtha said undersized fish may not have had time to reproduce, which can affect fish populations. The state's environmental police enforce fishing and other conservation laws while also working to maintain positive relationships with the public, DEM says.

Murtha encouraged people who witness suspected violations to contact the department's 24-hour dispatch line at 401-222-3070. DEM also lists that number for reporting active violations.