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BART's On-Line Home Contact Information Latest Bay Conditions Introduction to the Bay Project Clean Sweep Common Narragansett Bay Concerns: Swimming at RI Beaches Eating Fish Fish Kills Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Low Oxygen -- Hypoxia and Anoxia Monitoring and Investigation Procedures Reports from Prior Incidents		BAY ASSESSMENT & RESPONSE TEAM - BART Bay Line: 222-8888 (May 15 to Oct. 15) Fishing in Narragansett Bay Fishing is important to Rhode Island. Every year, the commercial catch fetches more than $70 million with economic rewards that multiply ten times over. Also every year, about 300,000 sport anglers seek finfish and shellfish in the state's salt waters. It is a popular, rewarding pastime as well as a business. Over the past few centuries, though, prized species have faced severe challenges. For example, the once-abundant populations of cod, lobster, and winter flounder have dropped significantly. On the other hand, striped bass, summer flounder, and scup seem to be thriving. The changing composition and size of populations are cause for fishermen to be concerned. There are many challenges to fish stocks. They include increases in water temperature, declines in water quality, loss of breeding and nursery grounds, and destructive harvests. In cooperation with commercial and recreational fishermen, state and federal authorities are working to lessen these challenges. As the trustee of the state fishery, RI DEM must regulate it and the people who use it. Working together anglers and authorities can help assure the sustainability of fishing in Rhode Island waters. What should I do? Follow common-sense precautions: Learn and obey boating and fishing regulations, especially catch limits and closures. Shellfishing restrictions can be read on-line or heard by calling 222-2900. Support efforts to improve water quality in the Bay. In particular, when you are fishing, dispose of waste properly. Don't let it go overboard or leave it at the water's edge. (See "Introduction to Narragansett Bay") More information on-line Commonly Caught Fish and Shellfish, Multi-language Information Brochure (Marine Fisheries Section, Division of Fish and Wildlife, RI DEM) Marine Fisheries Minimum Sizes and Possession Limits (Marine Fisheries Section, Division of Fish and Wildlife, RI DEM) Stock Status of Marine Resources and Summary of Fisheries Management In Rhode Island: A Report to the Rhode Island General Assembly (Marine Fisheries Section, Division of Fish and Wildlife, RI DEM, 2002) Shellfish Closures (Office of Water Resources, RI DEM) Shellfish Grounds, Closures and Approved Areas

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rev. 5/25/07