how can i be denied access to ocean shore line?

Question

im a fisherman and can not walk shore lines in massachusstes due to fencing and no trespassing signs. i thought it was illegale to denie acess to the ocean. you can own land, not water and tide lines. is this legal, what could i do?

Answer 1

It varies by state, but the concept that the general public has the right to access waterways and beaches dates back to the Romans.
Now it is part of the Public Trust Doctrine.
Check out the site below to learn more.

Answer 2

It varies from state to state. On the west coast, Oregon's ocean beaches are all state lands. In Washington, people can own the rights to access to beach property (except that Indians don't seem bound by the same rules). In Hawaii, the beaches are for everyone and the hotels must even accommodate access to them altho' they can make it pretty inconvenient. I think Mass. has allowed beach front property owners exclusive rights to their beaches. I know that it is that way in Conn.

Answer 3

Ever heard of private beaches? By owning the land adjacent to the water, they can, in effect, deny you the ocean. You can't cross someone else's property to gain access to the water.

Answer 4

You can own the land all the way to the body of water, in this case the ocean. If people don't want you walking on their property, they have the right to tell you not to.