Yearly Regulation Amendments
Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Regulations
Minimum Sizes and Possession Limits
If you have questions, contact Pete Duhamel at 401-423-1927 or peter.duhamel@dem.ri.gov
5/18/2021
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Thursday, May 20, 2021 the commercial Tautog fishery will close, until the next sub-period begins August 1, 2021 at 10 fish per vessel per day
4/15/2021
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Monday, May 17, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Menhaden Inside the Menhaden Management Area will be one-hundred twenty-thousand (120,000) pounds per vessel per day, until further notice; the commercial possession limit for Menhaden in state waters outside the Menhaden Management Area remains at one-hundred twenty-thousand (120,000) pounds per vessel per day, until further notice;
The opening of the Menhaden Management Area is based on DMF estimating that the weekly menhaden biomass has exceeded the biomass floor of 2 million pounds. Biomass estimates are updated twice per week and if at any time the biomass is estimated to drop below 1.5 million pounds, or the commercial biomass ceiling is projected to be harvested, or the states commercial quota has been projected to be harvested, the commercial fishery may close with 48 hours' notice. please see the commercial menhaden regulations (Part 3 section 3.22.2) for more information, or contact Nicole Lengyel Costa at 401-423-1940.
4/23/2021
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, April 25, 2021 the commercial Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Program will close, as the 90% harvest trigger will be met. The possession limit for Summer Flounder will be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins May 1, 2021 at 100 pounds per vessel per day
4/22/2021
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
Part 3: Finfish (effective April 22,2021);
4/20/2021
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Thursday, April 22, 2021 the commercial Black Sea Bass fishery will close, until the next sub-period begins May 1, 2021 at 100 pounds per vessel per day
4/9/2021
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, April 11, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be one thousand (1,000) pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins May 1, 2021 at 100 pounds per vessel per day
3/23/2021
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Large Coastal Aggregated Sharks will be fifty-five (55) sharks per vessel per day, until further notice;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Hammerhead Sharks will be fifty-five (55) sharks per vessel per day, until further notice;
3/12/2021
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, March 14, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Program will be four thousand five hundred (4,500) pounds per vessel per bi-week, until the program closes on April 30, 2021;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, March 14, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be two thousand (2,000) pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins May 1, 2021 at 100 pounds per vessel per day;
2/26/2021
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, February 28, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Program will be four thousand (4,000) pounds per vessel per bi-week, until the program closes on April 30, 2021;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, February 28, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be one thousand five hundred (1,500) pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins May 1, 2021 at 100 pounds per vessel per day;
1/9/2021
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, February 14, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Program will be three thousand (3000) pounds per vessel per bi-week, until the program closes on April 30, 2021;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, February 14, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be one thousand (1000) pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins May 1, 2021 at 100 pounds per vessel per day;
12/29/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be seven hundred fifty (750) pounds per vessel per week until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Bluefish will be one thousand (1,000) pounds per vessel per bi-week until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2021 at six thousand (6,000) pounds per vessel per week;
3.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial Menhaden fishery in the Menhaden Management Area will remain closed until further notice;
4.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial Menhaden fishery in state waters outside of the Menhaden Management Area will remain at 120,000 pounds per vessel per day until further notice;
5.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Scup General Category will be fifty thousand (50,000) pounds per vessel per day until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2021 at ten thousand (10,000) pounds per vessel per week;
6.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Scup Floating Fish Traps will be fifty thousand (50,000) pounds per vessel per day until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2021 at an unlimited possession limit;
7.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial Striped Bass General Category fishery will be closed until further notice;
8.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial Striped Bass Floating Fish Trap fishery will be closed until re-opening the next sub-period on April 1, 2021 at an unlimited possession limit;
9.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2021 at 100 pounds per vessel per day;
10.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Program will remain closed until re-opening January 3, 2021 for permitted vessels at two thousand (2,000) pounds per vessel per bi-week;
11.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial Tautog fishery will remain closed until the next sub-period begins on April 1, 2021 at 10 fish per vessel per day;
12.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Aggregated Large Coastal Sharks will be thirty-six (36) sharks per trip until further notice;
13.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, January 1, 2021 the commercial possession limit for Hammerhead Sharks will be thirty-six (36) sharks per trip until further notice;
12/18/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, December 20, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder for vessels that possess a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate will be two thousand (2000) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day. For vessels without a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate, the possession limit will remain at two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
12/11/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, December 13, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder for vessels that possess a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate will be nine hundred (900) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day. For vessels without a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate, the possession limit will remain at two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
2.)Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, December 13, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be three hundred (300) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at five hundred (500) pounds per vessel per week;
12/4/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, December 6, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder for vessels that possess a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate will be seven hundred (700) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day. For vessels without a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate, the possession limit will remain at two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
2.)Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, December 6, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at five hundred (500) pounds per vessel per week;
11/20/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, November 22, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder for vessels that possess a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate will be five hundred (500) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day. For vessels without a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate, the possession limit will remain at two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
2.)Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, November 22, 2020 the commercial Bluefish fishery will close, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one thousand (1000) pounds per vessel per bi-week;
11/13/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, November 15, 2020 the commercial Tautog fishery will close, until the next sub-period begins on April 1, 2021 ten (10) fish per vessel per day;
11/10/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, November 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Bluefish will be two thousand (2000) pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins on November 16, 2020 at one thousand five hundred (1500) pounds per vessel per week;
11/6/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, November 8, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder for vessels that possess a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate will be four hundred (400) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day. For vessels without a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate, the possession limit will remain at two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
2.)Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, November 8, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Bluefish will be five hundred (500) pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins on November 16, 2021 at five hundred (500) pounds per vessel per week;
10/30/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, November 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be one hundred fifty (150) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at five hundred (500) pounds per vessel per week;
10/14/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder for vessels that possess a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate will be three hundred (300) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day. For vessels without a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate, the possession limit will remain at two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
10/14/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, October 16, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be one hundred fifty (150) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on November 1, 2020 at fifty (50) pounds per vessel per day;
9/29/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, October 2, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on November 1, 2020 at fifty (50) pounds per vessel per day;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, October 2, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the further notice;
9/28/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Thursday, October 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Scup General Category and Scup Floating Fish Trap will be twenty-four thousand (24,000) pounds per vessel per day until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2021 at fifty thousand (50,000) pounds per vessel per day;
9/23/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Monday, September 28, 2020 the commercial Striped Bass General Category fishery will re-open at five (5) fish per vessel per day until further notice;
8/27/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, August 30, 2020 the commercial Tautog fishery will close, until the next sub-period begins on October 15, 2020 at 10 (ten) fish per vessel per day;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, August 30, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Scup General Category will be 20,000 (twenty thousand) pounds per vessel per week, until the further notice;
8/20/2020
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
1.) Part 1: Definitions and General Provisions (effective August 20, 2020);
2.) Part 3: Finfish (effective August 20, 2020);
3.) Part 9: Maps (repeal, effective August 20, 2020);
8/14/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, August 16, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder for vessels with a summer flounder exemption certificate will be three hundred (300) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins September 16, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day. For vessels without a summer flounder exemption certificate the possession limit remains at two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins September 16, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day.;
7/31/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, August 2, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins September 16, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
7/17/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, July 19, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day, until the fishery closes August 1, 2020. The fishery re-opens September 15, 2020 at fifty (50) pounds per vessel per day;
7/10/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, July 12, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be one hundred fifty (150) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins September 16, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Monday, July 13, 2020 the commercial Menhaden inside the Menhaden Management Area fishery will close;
7/7/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Thursday, July 9, 2020 the Striped Bass General Category fishery will close. This closure indicates that the 2020 General Category Striped Bass quota is projected to have been exhausted for the current fishing year;
6/22/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Thursday, June 25, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be fifty (50) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins July 1, 2020 at fifty (50) pounds per vessel per day;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Thursday, June 25, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Menhaden inside the Menhaden Management Area will be one-hundred twenty-thousand (120,000) pounds per vessel per day, until further notice;
6/17/2020
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
1.) Part 3: Finfish (Public notice May 1- May 31; effective July 7, 2020);
2.) Part 4: Shellfish (Public notice May 1- May 31; effective July 6, 2020);
3.) Part 5: Lobsters, Crabs, and Other Crustaceans (Public notice May 1- May 31; effective May 31, 2020);
4.) Part 14: Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate (Public notice May 1- May 31; effective July 6, 2020);
5/29/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, May 31, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins July 1, 2020 at fifty (50) pounds per vessel per day;
5/15/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Monday, May 18, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day, until further notice;
5/14/2020
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
1.) Part 1: Definition and General Provisions (Direct Final Rule: Effective May 14, 2020);
2.) Part 6: General Equipment Provisions (Direct Final Rule: Effective May 14, 2020);
4/27/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, May 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be one thousand (1,000) pounds per vessel per the day until further notice. For vessels without a fluke exemption certificate, the possession limit will be two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until further notice;
This large change in possession limit is being made due to a projected large underage that will occur during winter 1 sub period that will roll into the two remaining sub periods equally. While the fish remain offshore, we are raising the possession limit to allow access to these fish at an amount that will help vessels that were not able to harvest them during the winter 1 period due to our current healthcare crisis recoup some of the pounds they were not able to access during that period. We will closely monitor the quota and will be in close communication with seafood dealers to make sure we do not harvest more than the roll over amount at the higher possession limit. As we approach the roll over amount, we will revert to the normal starting possession limit for the summer sub period. This possession limit change is contingent upon the large winter period underage occurring; if it appears this won't occur, the Department will adjust this strategy based on the condition on April 30, 2020.
4/22/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, April 24, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Program will be eight thousand five hundred (8,500) pounds per vessel per the month of April 2020, until the program ends on April 30, 2020. This allows permitted vessels to land a total of 8,500 pounds from April 3, 2020 to April 30, 2020;
The Aggregate Landing Program will terminate when ninety percent (90%) of the winter sub-period has been harvested and the possession limit shall be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per calendar day.
For vessels without a fluke exemption certificate, the possession limit remains at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day.
4/2/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, April 3, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Program will be seven thousand five hundred (7,500) pounds per vessel per the month of April 2020, until the program ends on April 30, 2020;
The Aggregate Landing Program will terminate when ninety percent (90%) of the winter sub-period has been harvested and the possession limit shall be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per calendar day. For vessels not permitted in the Aggregate Landing Program the possession limit will be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per calendar day.
As of 12:00AM, April 3, 2020, all vessel permitted to participate in the Summer Flounder Aggregate Program will start at zero percent (0%) of their aggregate limit of seven thousand five hundred (7,500) pounds per vessel per month of April 2020.
3/27/2020
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
Part 3: Finfish (February 10 Public Hearing: Effective April 2, 2020);
2/28/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, March 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be eight hundred fifty (850) pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins May 1, 2020 at 50 pounds per vessel per day;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, March 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Program will be two thousand five hundred (2,500) pounds per vessel per bi-week (2 week period), until the program ends on Apiril 30, 2020;
2/19/2020
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
Part 5: Lobster, Crabs, and Other Crustaceans (Direct Final Rule effective 2/19/2020);
1/29/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, February 2, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be seven hundred (700) pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins May 1, 2020 at 50 pounds per vessel per day.;
1/15/2020
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, January 19, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Program will be two thousand (2,000) pounds per vessel per bi-week (2 week period).;
1/8/2020
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
Part 1: Definitions and General Provisions (November 12 Public Hearing: effective 1/23/20);
Part 4: Shellfish (November 12 Public Hearing: effective 1/13/20);
12/30/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be five hundred (500) pounds per vessel per week until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2020 at 50 pounds per vessel per day;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Bluefish will be one thousand (1,000) pounds per vessel per bi-week until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2020 at six thousand (6,000) pounds per vessel per week;
3.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial Menhaden fishery in the Menhaden Management Area will remain closed until further notice;
4.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial Menhaden fishery in state waters outside of the Menhaden Management Area will remain at 120,000 pounds per vessel per day until further notice;
5.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Scup General Category will be fifty thousand (50,000) pounds per vessel per day until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2020 at ten thousand (10,000) pounds per vessel per week;
6.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Scup Floating Fish Traps will be fifty thousand (50,000) pounds per vessel per day until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2020 at an unlimited possession limit;
7.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial Striped Bass General Category fishery will be closed until further notice;
8.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial Striped Bass Floating Fish Trap fishery will be closed until re-opening the next sub-period on April 1, 2020 at an unlimited possession limit;
9.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2020 at 100 pounds per vessel per day;
10.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Program will remain closed until re-opening January 5, 2020 for permitted vessels at one thousand (1,000) pounds per vessel per week;
11.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 the commercial Tautog fishery will remain closed until the next sub-period begins on April 1, 2020 at 10 fish per vessel per day;
12/16/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be eight hundred (800) pounds per vessel per day for license holders who hold a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day. The possession limit for license holders who do not hold a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate remains at 200 pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
12/16/2019
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
Part 3: Finfish (November 12 Public Hearing: effective 1/1/20);
Part 12: Research Pilot Aggregate Program (November 12 Public Hearing: effective 1/1/20);
ADOPTION OF NEW REGULATION
Part 13: Cooperative Multi-State Possession and Landing Pilot Program for Sudmmer Flounder (November 12 Public Hearing: effective 1/1/20);
12/11/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, December 13, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be five hundred (500) pounds per vessel per day for license holders who hold a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day. The possession limit for license holders who do not hold a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate remains at 200 pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
11/8/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, November 24, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be three hundred fifty (350) pounds per vessel per day for license holders who hold a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day. The possession limit for license holders who do not hold a Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate remains at 200 pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
11/8/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Monday, November 11, 2019 the commercial Black Sea Bass fishery will close, until further notice;
11/6/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, November 10, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Bluefish will remain at 20,000 pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at 1,000 pounds per vessel per bi-week;
11/1/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, November 3, 2019 the commercial Tautog fishery will close, until re-opening April 1, 2020 at 10 fish per vessel per day;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, November 3, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be two hundred fifty (250) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
10/24/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, October 27, 2019 the commercial Striped Bass General Category fishery will re-open at five (5) fish per vessel per day, until further notice;
10/18/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, October 20, 2019 the commercial Striped Bass General Category fishery will re-open at five (5) fish per vessel per day, until the fishery closes at 12:00AM on Friday, October 25, 2019. Please note the Division will continue to monitor harvest and will re-evaluate at the end of the week to determine if there is enough quota remaining to re-open;
10/10/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, October 13, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Striped Bass General Category will be five (5) fish per vessel per day, until the fishery closes at 11:59:59 PM on Thursday, October 17, 2019 for the remainder of the year. Please note the Division will continue to monitor harvest and will re-evaluate at the end of the week to determine if there is enough quota remaining to re-open;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, October 13, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
10/8/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Large Coastal Aggregated Sharks will be fifty-five (55) sharks per vessel per day, until further notice;
10/2/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, October 6, 2019 the commercial Striped Bass General Category fishery will re-open at five (5) fish per vessel per day, until the fishery closes at 12:00AM on Friday, October 11, 2019;
9/27/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Scup will be twenty-seven thousand (27,000) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at fifty thousand (50,000) pounds per vessel per day;
9/26/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Scup will be twelve thousand (12,000) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on January 1, 2020 at fifty thousand (50,000) pounds per vessel per day;
9/25/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Saturday, September 28, 2019 the commercial Black Sea Bass fishery will close, until the next sub-period begins on November 1, 2019 at fifty (50) pounds per vessel per day;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Saturday, September 28, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Bluefish fishery will be twenty-thousand (20,000) pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins on November 10, 2019 at five hundred (500) pounds per vessel per week;
6/18/2019
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
Part 3: Finfish (Direct Final Rule: effective 8/8/19);
Part 7: Dealers (Direct Final Rule: effective 8/11/19);
8/16/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, September 1, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder fishery will be two hundred (200) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on September 16, 2019 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
8/16/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, August 16, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Large Coastal Aggregated Sharks fishery will be forty-five (45) sharks per vessel per day, until further notice;
8/15/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, August 18, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Scup - General Category will be twenty-five (25,000) pounds per vessel per week, until further notice;
2.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, August 18, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Bluefish will be fifteen thousand (15,000) pounds per vessel per week, until further notice;
3.) Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, August 18, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be one hundred fifty (150) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on September 16, 2019 at one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day;
8/1/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, August 4, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Scup - General Category will be twenty-thousand (20,000) pounds per vessel per week, until further notice;
7/19/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, July 21, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Scup - General Category will be fifteen-thousand (15,000) pounds per vessel per week, until further notice;
7/15/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Wedneday, July 17, 2019 the commercial Black Sea Bass fishery will CLOSE, re-opening September 15, 2019 at 50 pounds per vessel per day;
7/8/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Thursday, July 11, 2019 the commercial Striped Bass General Category will CLOSE, until further notice;
6/26/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, June 30, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Bluefish will be twelve-thousand (12,000) pounds per vessel per week, until further notice;
6/25/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, June 30, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be one hundred (100) pounds per vessel per day, until further notice;
6/24/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Large Coastal Aggregated Sharks fishery will be thirty-six (36) sharks per vessel per day, until further notice;
6/18/2019
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
Part 3: Finfish (effective 6/14/2019);
6/11/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, June 14, 2019 the commercial Biomedical Horseshoe Crab fishery will close, until further notice;
6/6/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 the commercial Black Sea Bass fishery will close, until the next sub-period begins on July 1, 2019 at 50 pounds per vessel per day;
6/4/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, June 9, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder will be seventy-five (75) pounds per vessel per day, until the next sub-period begins on September 16, 2019 at 100 pounds per vessel per day;
5/20/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Friday, May 24, 2019 the commercial Tautog fishery will close, until re-opening on October 15, 2019 at 10 fish per day;
4/19/2019
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
Part 5: Lobsters, Crabs, and Other Crustaceans (RIMFC 4/1/2019; effective 5/8/2019);
Part 6: General Equipment Provisions (RIMFC 4/1/2019; effective 5/8/2019);
4/15/2019
AMENDMENT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS
Part 3: Finfish (RIMFC 4/1/2019; effective 5/2/2019);
3/29/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Monday, April 1, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Aggregated Large Coastal and Hammerhead Shark species groups will be 3 sharks per vessel per day, until further notice;
3/20/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
1. Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, March 24, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be 850 pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2019 at 50 pounds per vessel per day;
2. Beginning 12:00A.M. on Sunday, March 31, 2019 the commercial possession limit for Summer Flounder Aggregate Landing Profram will be 4,000 pounds per vessel per bi-week, until the program closes on April 30, 2019;
3/1/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00A.M. on Saturday, March 9, 2019 the possession limit for Atlantic herring in Area 2 will be 2,000 pounds per vessel per day, or 2,000 pounds per vessel per trip, though December 31, 2019. Vessels participating in other fisheries may possess no more than 2,000 pounds of Atlantic herring per day or per trip. In addition, all vessels traveling through Area 2 must have all seine and mid-water trawl gear stowed;
3/8/2019
POSSESSION LIMIT MODIFICATION
Beginning 12:00AM on Sunday, March 3, 2019, the commercial possession limit for Black Sea Bass will be 750 pounds per vessel per week, until the next sub-period begins on May 1, 2019, at 50 pounds per vessel per day;
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES