Welcome from the Massachusetts Environmental Police

About the Massachusetts Environmental Police

The Massachusetts Environmental Police, in its role as the Commonwealth’s boating law authority, enforces marine safety laws, investigates recreational boating casualties and marine theft cases, provides a boating education program, and administers the boat registration and titling program. Environmental Police officers patrol 1,500 miles of coastal waters, 978 lakes and ponds, and four major river systems. In addition to marine safety enforcement, officers ensure that laws are observed governing recreational and commercial fishing, wildlife and wetland protection, hazardous and solid waste pollution, and the safety of hunters and off-road recreational vehicle operators. Working to achieve the goals of environmental protection and public safety, the Massachusetts Environmental Police hopes to realize the preservation of our precious natural heritage today and for future generations.

Volunteer Instruction Program

The Massachusetts Boating Education Program (BEP) is looking for a few good men and women to become Volunteer Instructors. Boat Massachusetts courses are held throughout the Commonwealth, and good instructors are always needed. A day spent boating in any of our more crowded waterways is proof enough of the need to increase the general level of boater safety, proficiency, and common courtesy. You must have boating experience, be at least 18 years of age, be an American citizen, and be willing to submit to a background investigation. Teaching experience is a plus. The rewards are great with lots of opportunities to interact with many wonderful students, as well as like-minded boating enthusiasts. If interested, call the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Boat and R.V. Safety Bureau at 508-759-0002.

Massachusetts Environmental Police Directory

Central Headquarters
251 Causeway Street, 1st Floor
Boston, MA 02114
617-626-1650

Protect Marine Mammals

All whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the northeast region are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act; and most large whales in the area are further protected under the Endangered Species Act. Under these laws, it is illegal to “harass, hunt, capture, or kill” any marine mammal. Prohibited conduct includes any “negligent or intentional act which results in the disturbing or molesting of marine mammals.” Violations of these laws may result in fines of up to $50,000, imprisonment, and/or seizure of one’s vessel.

Boating Near Whales

Various species of whales, including the Humpback, Finback, Right, and Minke, may be encountered in our state’s coastal waters. The Northern Right whale is the most endangered marine mammal, with no more than 500 remaining in the world. Boaters maneuvering around whales improperly risk the safety of all passengers aboard, as well as potential injury to the whales.

To protect whales in their habitat, the following operation guidelines are recommended:

• Avoid excessive speed or course change within 500 yards of whales.
• Do not approach within 500 yards of Right whales.
• Approach with extreme caution within 100 yards of any species of whales other than Right whales.
• Approach whales from the side—not head-on—and don’t box them in.
• Don’t cut off their path.
• Don’t separate mothers from offspring.
• If a whale approaches within 100 feet, put your engine in neutral. Do not reengage your engine until the whale is observed on the surface, outside of the 100-foot zone.
• If you sight one whale, expect to see more whales in the immediate vicinity.

Whale Disentanglement

If you observe a whale entangled in fish gear or other man-made material, do not attempt to disentangle it. Contact the U.S. Coast Guard or the Massachusetts Environmental Police on VHF radio, Channel 16, or call the Large Whale Disentanglement Network at 1-800-900-3622. For further information on the protection of marine mammals, visit the websites of the Center for Coastal Studies or the National Marine Fisheries Service.