PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management reminds lobster fishermen that beginning July 13, each lobster trap in Rhode Island waters will be required to carry a special tag identifying it as a legal trap. The trap tag program, originally scheduled to begin on June 1, is being implemented pursuant to requirements set forth under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Interstate Lobster Management Plan. The Rhode Island General Assembly gave its approval to the program earlier this year. The program is intended to improve management of the lobster fishery by establishing a mechanism to ensure that fishermen adhere to trap limits. The start date was delayed for several weeks until trap tags became available.

Individuals who harvest lobsters non-commercially will be issued trap tags directly from DEM's Office of Boating and Licensing at no cost upon renewal or issuance of a non-commercial lobster trap license.

State-licensed residents and non-residents who possess a Federal Limited Access Lobster Permit can obtain trap tags through the National Marine Fisheries Service at a cost of 12 cents per tag. State-licensed residents and non-residents without a Federal Limited Access Lobster Permit can obtain trap tags from Stoffel Seals Inc. PO Box 825 Dept. 3, Nyack, NY 10960-0825; (914) 348-7123 at a cost of 14 cents per tag.