6 charged with rockfish violations in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) -- Maryland Natural Resources Police say six men have been charged this month with rockfish violations in Ocean City.

Natural Resources Police announced Thursday that the six were cited for possessing and transporting rockfish, also known as striped bass, from federal waters off the coast of Ocean City.

Police say fishing for striped is prohibited in the federal waters that extend from three miles to 200 miles off the coast.

Police say a total of 15 striped bass were seized and donated to a local shelter for distribution to needy families.

NRP spokesman Sgt. Brian Albert said all face a $100 federal fine and a $250 state fine per fish. Albert says Natural Resources Police are deputized under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in order to enforce federal regulations.