The National Marine Fisheries Service is warning members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine not to fish in federal waters without a federal permit.

The NMFS recently cited a fishing captain who was in federal waters off the coast of Massachusetts. He was carrying a permit issued by the tribe.

"We at this time are unable to identify any aboriginal rights that would allow the tribe to fish in federal waters. We are in discussion with the tribe to determine if there is any information to support their right to fish in federal waters," NMFS spokesperson Teri Frady told The Cape Cod Times.

The tribe has an agreement with the state of Maine to issue permits but those are apparently limited to state waters.

Get the Story:
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