Tautogs Released Following Fairhaven Traffic Stop

A refrigerator truck was seized and over 180 tautogs released into outer Mattapoisett Harbor follow a traffic stop in Fairhaven.

Environmental Police spokeswoman Amy Mahler tells WBSM news the truck was stopped in front of the Fairhaven Stop & Shop around 3:30 Tuesday afternoon for a traffic violation.

It was then observed that the amount of tautogs was well above the catch limit, which is currently set at 40.

Mahler also says that 127 tautogs were less than 16 inches which smaller than regulations allow.

Both the driver and the company that owns the truck, Pacific Trade Incorporated of Chelsea, were issued criminal summons and an investigation is ongoing.

Mahler says the tautogs survived and were released safely. Tautog fishing opened Sunday.