The agency is also responsible for the enforcement of fish and game laws, including commercial and recreational harvesting of the living marine resources along the state's coastline.

The Office is further charged with protecting the health, safety, and individual rights of the public and preserving our environment for future generations.

In 1640, the Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a law which gave forty schillings to any man who killed a wolf with hounds.

In 1645, the colony created a law that prohibited the use of nets to catch alewives in the Sandwich river with a fine of ten pounds.

In 1668, to protect cod, haddock, and pollock during spawning the Massachusetts Bay Colony banned all fishing in December and January.

You shall faithfully discharge the trust imposed upon you in demanding and receiving whatsoever shall be due unto the Colony by such fish as shall be there taken; and shall seasonably give in a true account thereof unto the Treasurer yearly."

In 1672, a new law was created which gave the water bailiff authority to seize any fish caught by a vessel in Cape Cod Bay that did not pay its duty.

In 1717, to increase the deer population, a law was passed which prohibited any killing of bucks, does, and fawns until August 1, 1721.

Attorney for our sovereign lord the king, in this behalf, here instantly complains and gives this court to understand and be informed, that Azariah Selden of Hadley, in the county of Hampshire, yeoman, on the 8th day of March current, did at said Northampton, wittingly and willingly, with force and arms, kill one wild deer, and then and there had in his possession the raw flesh and raw skin of one wild deer, killed since the 21st day of December last, contrary to a law of this province, the peace of said lord the king, his crown and dignity.

In 1886, the commission's authority was extended to the protection and preservation of birds and animals and its name was changed to Board of Commissioners on Fisheries and Game.

In 1901, the Attorney General, Hosea M. Knowlton, rendered a decision that the deputies of the commission are no longer allowed to enforce the Sunday fishing ban.

The special deputies worked varying terms of service and were employed by the state, hunting clubs, and towns.

In 1902, the Office of Inspector General of Fish was abolished and its power and duties are given to the Board of Commissioners on Fisheries and Game.

In 1912, a new law was passed which authorized that every town and city can appoint a fish and game warden with a salary not exceeding fifty dollars.

The director, with the approval of the governor, may in writing authorize any warden to have in his possession and carry a revolver, club, billy, handcuffs and twisters, or such other weapon or article required in the performance of his official duty".

In 1945, the authority of officers to enforce game laws on public land including the Quabbin Reservoir without a permit was questioned.

Today, the police continue enforcement of fish and game laws including the commercial and recreational harvest of the living marine resources along the Massachusetts coastline.

The department's responsibilities include the protection of natural resources, homeland security and law enforcement, safety education, and accident investigation.

[4] The agency was also criticized for patronage hires and for removing GPS tracking devices from vehicles at the request of the officers' union.

Offshore enforcement adds an additional 2,500 square miles of territorial waters to the Environmental Police's jurisdiction.

Officers patrol coastal waters conducting investigations of illegal fishing practices, marine theft cases, and enforcement of boat registration and titling requirements.

The coastal force mediates disputes between competing fishing interests such as draggers, gill-netters, lobster men, and recreational anglers.

In addition, coastal officers closely monitor fish markets, processing facilities, shellfish digging, and Off-Highway Vehicle use on beaches.

Environmental Police Officers serving in the inland regions are responsible for enforcing a wide variety of laws and regulations including the statutes regarding hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, and off-highway vehicles.

Inland officers also investigate cases of illegal waste disposal, wetlands violations, and assist in search and rescue efforts.

Inland officers pay particular attention to state forests, parks, wildlife management areas, boat access sites and heavily used public waterways such as major rivers and great ponds.

It targets the boating novice, especially young boaters (12 through 15 years of age), who are required by state law to complete such a course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision.

The Bureau is also responsible for the investigation of all motorboat and recreational vehicle accidents that cause substantial property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities.