PROVIDENCE - Jan Reitsma, Director of the Department of Environmental Management, announced today that he has, on an emergency basis, reopened the commercial scup fishery at a trip limit of 100 pounds per day. The fishery for all gear types other than floating fish traps had been closed on August 9 because the summer quota for this category had been reached.

It has since been determined, however, that the 280,000 pounds remaining in the floating fish trap summer quota is unlikely to be taken in fish traps before the summer season ends on August 31. Accordingly, this surplus quota can be made available to other scup fishermen.

Said Reitsma, "Closure of the scup fishery last week has created a severe economic hardship for many Rhode Island fishermen, particularly those who operate smaller inshore boats. After consultation with staff, members of the Marine Fisheries Council, and participants in the trap fishery, we have determined that the fishery for other gear types can be reopened without exceeding the overall summer quota or disadvantaging trap fishermen. Given the circumstances, it seems the responsible thing to do."

The fishery will be reopened effective at 12 a.m. Wednesday, August 16.