PlumIsland Surfcasters

09/04/2026

08/31/2026

07/27/2026

$300?

07/24/2026

Our biologists were doing a fish community survey on the Connecticut River this month and they came across this common carp with a rare genetic mutation! While these fish are sometimes called “fantail carp”, they are actually the same species as common carp, but the genetic mutation causes them to have long, fan-like fins.

07/09/2026

Did you know that your recreational saltwater fishing permit fees go directly into a dedicated fund that benefits recreational fishing in the Commonwealth?

Over the past 15 years, the fund has supported important public access projects, including the construction of new fishing piers and repairs and improvements to ramps, decks, and other facilities up and down the coast.

Permit dollars have also made it possible to build artificial reefs, restore diadromous fish passage in our coastal rivers, and lead cutting-edge research that improves the management of striped bass and other popular recreational species.

Projects like these, along with a growing Saltwater Angler Education Program, have a lasting impact on the future of recreation saltwater fishing in Massachusetts. Learn more about the projects, programs, and people that your permit fees support.

https://www.mass.gov/news/where-do-your-recreational-saltwater-fishing-permit-fees-go

07/01/2026

Striped bass are an anadromous species, meaning they live in saltwater and migrate up rivers to spawn in freshwater. Their migratory nature along the Atlantic Coast makes them susceptible to overfishing as they make their journey north in the spring, and south in the fall. With their population in a decline, enhanced management strategies have been put in place to aid in rebuilding the stock. All laws pertaining to striped bass are a priority for MEP officers.

On June 16, 2026, MEP Officers were made aware of a party illegally fishing within a restricted area along the Merrimack River. The party left the area before MEP Officers were able to arrive on scene. An MEP Officer reached out to the Lawrence Police Department Detective Division requesting assistance in locating the vehicle involved in the illegal fishing. LPD was able to obtain footage of an involved vehicle, allowing MEP Officers to identify the party. MEP Officers located the party, who was then placed under arrest for multiple fishing violations. These violations included fishing on posted property, fishing within a fish propagation area, possession of over the limit striped bass, and possession of striped bass exceeding the legal slot size. So far this season, there have been thirteen arrests at the Lawrence Dam for fisheries related violations. MEP thanks the Lawrence Police Department Detective Division and Patrol Division for their assistance in the investigation and support into MEPs mission of conservation law enforcement.

MEP reminds everyone that the legal limit for recreational striped bass is one fish per angler measuring 28" to under 31" from the lower jaw to the furthest extremity of the tail with the tail squeezed together.

06/29/2026

Commercial and recreational fishermen, please be advised that a major wastewater pipe broke over the weekend, releasing millions of gallons of sewage into the Merrimack River.
The break occurred in Haverhill in a pipe that carries wastewater from the main pumping station to the treatment plant.
As a result, approximately 8 million gallons of wastewater per day are currently being discharged into the river.
Fishing in the Merrimack River, its estuaries and beaches are not prohibited at this time; however, please be aware of the current conditions and use caution.

06/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2026
Mayor Sean Reardon Provides Update on Haverhill Sewer Force Main Failure and Impacts to Newburyport

NEWBURYPORT, MA – Mayor Sean Reardon is providing residents with an update regarding the ongoing discharge of untreated wastewater into the Merrimack River resulting from a major sewer force main failure in the City of Haverhill.

According to information released by Haverhill, approximately 8 million gallons of untreated wastewater per day have been entering the Merrimack River since the force main failed last week. Haverhill has indicated that emergency contractors are working around the clock to install a temporary bypass system, with construction crews operating 24 hours a day until wastewater can once again be conveyed to the treatment plant.

"This situation is deeply concerning and completely unacceptable," said Mayor Reardon. "Our first priority is protecting the health and safety of Newburyport residents while working with our state and regional partners to bring this environmental emergency to an end as quickly as possible."

Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Newburyport has closed Plum Island Beach to swimming until further notice. The closure will remain in effect until the discharge has stopped, repairs have been completed, and water quality testing confirms that conditions are safe for the public.

The Newburyport Health Department continues to work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, regional municipalities, and other partner agencies to monitor conditions and determine when it is safe to reopen the beach.

Mayor Reardon has also been in direct contact with Governor Maura Healey, who is assisting in coordinating state resources through MassDEP. Newburyport is working alongside neighboring downstream communities to advocate for a swift resolution and greater regional coordination.

"While we appreciate the work being done by the emergency crews on the ground, I am extremely disappointed by the lack of direct communication from the City of Haverhill to downstream communities," Mayor Reardon said. "Municipalities that rely on the Merrimack River deserve timely, transparent information during an incident of this magnitude."

With the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaching, Mayor Reardon expressed concern about the broader impacts on public health, local businesses, tourism, and recreation throughout the Merrimack River region.

"We are facing what could become both a public health emergency and an economic hardship for many of our local businesses that depend on visitors during one of the busiest weeks of the year," Mayor Reardon said. "The most important objective right now is stopping the discharge and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible."

The City is also consulting with legal counsel to evaluate any legal remedies that may be available once the immediate public health emergency has been addressed.
Residents are urged to avoid contact with the Merrimack River until further notice, consistent with public health guidance. The City will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available and will reopen Plum Island Beach for swimming as soon as testing confirms it is safe to do so.

Mayor Reardon concluded, "I know many residents are frustrated and concerned. Please know that your City is fully engaged, working with every available state and regional partner, and will continue to push for accountability, transparency, and the swift resolution this situation demands."