PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has produced a multi-language information brochure on more than a dozen types of fish and shellfish commonly caught in Rhode Island. The need for such a brochure was realized by DEM's enforcement officers, who on a daily basis interact with Rhode Island anglers and shellfishermen from many cultures who, because of language barriers, may not understand the state's fishing laws.

The brochure, produced by DEM's Division of Enforcement, describes fishing seasons, limits and sizes in English, Cambodian, Laotian, Hmong, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese. Illustrations of bluefish, black sea bass, lobster, striped bass, weakfish, summer flounder, winter flounder, scup, tautog, oyster, quahog, soft shell clam and mussel accompany the descriptions.

DEM is distributing the free brochure through bait shops, community centers, and International House. Copies are also available by calling DEM's Enforcement office at 222-2284, or the Office of Technical and Customer Assistance at 222-6822.