Massachusetts § 13 - Display of fish upon demand; violations
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 13 — Display of fish upon demand; violations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13. Display of fish upon demand; violations
Section 13. The director, the deputy directors of enforcement, chiefs of enforcement, deputy chiefs of enforcement and all environmental police officers and deputy environmental police officers, or any member of the state police may request any person whom he has cause to believe is engaged in unlawfully fishing, or to be unlawfully in possession of fish, or to be in possession of fish unlawfully taken, to forthwith display for inspection all fish then in his possession, and may arrest without warrant a person refusing or failing to comply with such request.
Whoever, being in a boat in coastal waters throws or dumps overboard the contents of any pail, bag, barrel or other receptacle, or throws overboard any fish, after having been requested or signalled by any officer authorized to enforce this section to stand by for inspection shall be deemed to have violated this section.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 13
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 13 cover?
Section 13 ("Display of fish upon demand; violations") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 13?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 13" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 13 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.