Skip navigation.

The Official Website of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

 
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species

Natural Heritage LogoMassachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) Penalties

321 CMR 10.06

  1. Unauthorized taking, possession, and sale of species on the State or Federal lists. Any person who violates the provisions of the first paragraph of M.G.L. c. 131A, § 2 or 321 CMR 10.04 or 10.11 through 10.24 shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both such fine and imprisonment. Upon a second or subsequent conviction such person shall be punished by a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 180 days or both such fine and imprisonment.
  2. Civil Penalties. Any person who violates M.G.L. c. 131A, s. 2 or any rule or regulation adopted thereunder shall be subject to a civil assessment not to exceed $10,000 for each such violation.
  3. Multiple Violations. The commission of an act prohibited by M.G.L. c 131A or any rule or regulation adopted thereunder with respect to each individual animal or plant, or part thereof, shall constitute a separate offense.