Wow really? I called yesterday morning after I noticed them in the harbor for a 3rd straight morning in a row. Reported the incident and had an Officer call me back rather quickly. He asked for everyting in detail and then called me back again for more info. He was beyond helpful and I wish I had his name to thank him here on this thread. Problem is I dont think they've been there at all.

A friend of mine works at Fayerwether Yacht Club which neighbors the boat ramp they're using to access the harbor. He told me he hasnt seen anyone down there (DEP) but the 2 boats were back yesterday evening for several hours. He too told me that one of the boats only has half it's reg numbers listed. They're black numbers on a Camo hull with halk of them missing. The Trihull has it's full reg listed but the DEP Officer told me that they dont have any boat in Mass with those numbers. So basically that means it's not registered and all the more reason to check them out.




This is the number I called, works every time.















These are the very same exact questions I've asked myself Jon. You're 100% right.

I'm not sure what the protocol would be for something like this. Wonder if the DEP would choose to board them and check licenses or take the ride all the way to Mass in order to see where they're being sold to.

I'll be the first to vouch for Dukefan's estimate on the bunker that has already been taken out. The Harbor's pretty much cleaned out and they single handedly are the cause of it.

The TIP line and 860-424-3333 are both answered in the DEP dispatch center in Hartford, they are not answering machines where you just leave a message. I found one call on the computer. That means one call was entered on the system. There may have been other calls and from Jayhova posted, there were as he received a call back. Our dispatch center handles all radio and telephone traffic for us, HazMat, Parks and Forestry (including the forest fire crews), so at times the one or two dispatchers on duty can get overwhelmed with call volume and the info may not make it to the computer.

I followed up with the Head Dispatcher this morning regarding this complaint and he assured me that as soon as an officer is on duty in that area the information will be passed along for follow up.

I'm sorry that we were unable to respond as quickly as you would like, but we are doing the best we can with what staffing we have available.

An apology is the last thing you should be saying here Captain Camejo. When I had an issue last year with the James Joseph you (and the DEP in general) were MORE then helpful and I personally thank you for that.

The Officer that called me back yesterday was great as well. He was extremely helpful and you could tell he wanted to know everything about the situation. Asked details about the boat and called back to make sure all the information was correct while informing me of the progress. I wish I could personally thank him for all his help.

It's just frustrating and discouraging when I'm out there in the early morning watching them pillage the entire harbor. I know for a fact that one boat isn't registered and the other doesnt even have it's full numbers listed. They're in and out in a few hours taking with them a few thousand bunker every morning. If it's legal then it is what it is. But when it appears to be an illegal operation, it's a different story.

I personally got into a tiff with one of them b/c he yelled at me for running over the bunker. Other's have complained b/c they wake boats in the harbor flying around and they dont even appear to be legit. There's a reason I paid $455 for my Captain's license, Gill net renewal and Saltwater license. It's to be legal and abide by the law in order to run a legit business. I feel hopeless when others dont do the same. It's even worse knowing that what they're doing is going to have a negative impact on hundreds of local fisherman.

I wish there was more that I could do but unfortunately I've done all I could. I've never once complained about the DEP and am not at all now. I've watched you help others and have ALWAYS helped me when I needed it. Keep up the great work and I know everything will work out here. I'll continue to call if I see them back at it. Thank you again for all your help.

If I see them, I will just drop a dime to the Coast Guard. They will certainly care that they do not have proper registrations. And if they dont have registrations, they are probably lacking on other required equipment also. Hey, it may not be illegal to cast net a million bunker, but it is illegal to do it in an unregistered boat. Although the CG doesnt enforce CT fishery laws, perhaps they might bust these A-holes stones enough to send them packing or slow them down...if the dep doesnt get to them first.

Couldn't agree more Murph.......we need to keep the likes of Todd from Massachusetts and the rest of those liberal lovin' bums up north.

Go trap some mummies in Boston harbor you bastids.....if you need bait