RI DEM/Fish & Wildlife - Summary of Amendments to Marine Fisheries Regulations

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Summary of Changes to the
"Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Regulations"

If you have questions, contact Nancy Scarduzio at 401-423-1927 or nancy.scarduzio@dem.ri.gov
11/6/09

PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for black sea bass beginning 12:01 AM on November 8, 2009. This action also DECREASES the commercial possession limit for summer flounder to 100 pounds per vessel per calendar day beginning 12:01 AM on November 8, 2009.[This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/30/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action amends the language for the commercial scup fishery to read 2,000 pounds per vessel per calendar day.[This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/29/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for tautog beginning 12:01 AM on October 31, 2009. This action also DECREASES the commercial possession limit for black sea bass to 100 pounds per vessel per calendar day beginning 12:01 AM on November 4, 2009.[This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/5/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial floating fish trap and general category fishery for scup beginning 12:01 AM on October 6, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

9/23/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action DECREASES the commercial floating fish trap fishery for scup to 300 pounds per licensee per day beginning 12:01 AM on September 24, 2009. This action also CLOSES the commercial fishery for spiny dogfish beginning 12:01 AM on September 27, 2009.[This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

9/17/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial floating fish trap fishery for striped bass beginning 12:01 AM on September 18, 2009. This action also CLOSES the commercial general category fishery for striped bass beginning 12:01 AM on September 21, 2009.[This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

9/11/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action INCREASES the commercial general category possession limit for scup to 400 pounds per vessel per calendar week beginning 12:01 AM on September 13, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

8/27/09
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.35 - This action adopts minimum size limits for both the recreational and commercial Conch (Whelk) fishery in state waters. [This regulation becomes effective on 9/16/09].

8/25/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action DECREASES the commercial floating fish trap possession limit for striped bass to 300 pounds per fish trap licensee per calendar day beginning 12:01 AM on August 27, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

8/19/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the floating fish trap commercial fishery for striped bass beginning 12:01 AM on August 21, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

8/17/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action DECREASES the floating fish trap commercial possession limit for striped bass to 500 pounds per licensee per day beginning 12:01 AM on August 19, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

8/14/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for black sea bass beginning 12:01 AM on August 17, 2009 and DECREASES the general category commercial possession limit for scup to 200 pounds per vessel per week beginning 12:01 AM on August 16, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

8/7/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for summer flounder beginning 12:01 AM on August 9, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/26/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for general category striped bass beginning 12:01 AM on June 29, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/18/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for general category scup beginning 12:01 AM on June 21, 2009 as well as CLOSES the commercial fishery for menhaden in the Narragansett Bay menhaden management area effective 12:01 on June 19, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.5 - This technical revision reinserts some dropped language regarding the allocation amount and minimum size for the floating fish trap striped bass fishery. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/10/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial bait fishery for horseshoe crabs beginning 12:01 AM on June 11, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/5/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action DECREASES the commercial possession limits for the summer flounder and general category scup fisheries beginning 12:01 AM on June 7, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/1/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action DECREASES the commercial possession limit for the floating fish trap scup fishery beginning 12:01 AM on June 2, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

5/28/09
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.4, 7.7.11, and 7.11.2 - These actions amend the recreational management plan for summer flounder, amend the sector allocation pilot program, and amend the starting possession limits for the commercial scup fishery. [These regulations become effective on June 17, 2009].

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action amends the start date for the commercial striped bass fishery in the fall. [This regulation becomes effective on June 17, 2009].

5/15/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for black sea bass beginning 12:01 AM on May 18, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

5/13/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for tautog beginning 12:01 AM on May 14, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

5/1/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action DECREASES the general category commercial possession limit for scup to 1,000 lbs/vessel/week beginning 12:01 AM on May 3, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

4/24/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action DECREASES the commercial possession limit for summer flounder to 500 lbs/vessel/day beginning 12:01 AM on April 26, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

4/16/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action INCREASES the commercial possession limit for summer flounder to 2,000 lbs/vessel/day beginning 12:01 AM on April 17, 2009. This action also DECREASES the commercial possession limit for Area 2 Atlantic herring to 2,000 lbs/vessel/day beginning 12:01 AM on April 17, 2009. This action also INCREASES the commercial possession limit for spiny dogfish to 3,000 lbs/vessel/day beginning 12:01 AM on May 1, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

4/10/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action INCREASES the commercial possession limit for summer flounder to 750 lbs/vessel/day beginning 12:01 AM on April 12, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

4/8/09
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.10, 4.22, 4.24, 4.28 - This action amends the closing schedule for the High Banks, Greenwich Bay, Bristol Harbor, and Bissle Cove/Fox Island shellfish management areas to close on April 28, 2009 in order to accomodate the shellfish transplanting schedule. [This regulation becomes effective on 4/28/09].

4/3/09
PART I - LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS
1.3 - This action promulgates the definitions that correspond with a coastal shark management plan in state waters. [This regulation becomes effective on April 23, 2009].

PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action INCREASES the commercial possession limit for summer flounder to 3,000 lbs/week with permit or 300 lbs/day without permit beginning 12:01 AM on April 5, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.21, 7.22, 7.23, and 7.24 - These actions amend the commercial fisheries for monkfish, cod, and sea scallops to reflect the same possession limits as are in place in federal waters. These actions also promulgate a coastal shark management plan in state waters. [These regulations become effective on April 23, 2009].

3/18/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action TERMINATES the commercial aggregate landing program for scup and DECREASES the commercial possession limit for scup to 1,000 pounds per vessel per day beginning 12:01 AM on March 19, 2009. This action also INCREASES the commercial possession limit for summer flounder to 2,000 pounds per vessel per week if permitted in the aggregate landings program or 200 pounds per vessel per day without an aggregate permit, beginning 12:01 AM on March 22, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

2/20/09
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.2.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for black sea bass beginning 12:01 AM on February 23, 2009. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.4 - This action CLOSES the recreational fishery for summer flounder effective February 21, 2009 until the 2009 recreational management plan is promulgated. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

1/27/09
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.28 - This action amends the opening schedule for the High Banks shellfish management area. [This regulation becomes effective on 2/16/09].

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7 - This action promulgates a Summer Flounder Sector Allocation Pilot Program for the 2009 commercial summer flounder fishery. [This regulation becomes effective 2/16/09].

1/16/09
2009 MARINE FISHERIES LICENSING REGULATIONS
This action adopts the following three companion Management Plans to the licensing regulations (effective 2/5/09):

Management Plan for the Finfish Fishery Sector;
Management Plan for the Shellfish Fishery Sector;and
Management Plan for the Crustacean Fishery Sector

Management Plan for the Finfish Fishery Sector;
Management Plan for the Shellfish Fishery Sector;and
Management Plan for the Crustacean Fishery Sector

Management Plan for the Finfish Fishery Sector;
Management Plan for the Shellfish Fishery Sector;and
Management Plan for the Crustacean Fishery Sector

Management Plan for the Finfish Fishery Sector;

Management Plan for the Shellfish Fishery Sector; and
Management Plan for the Crustacean Fishery Sector

11/9/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit for black sea bass and summer flounder beginning 12:01 AM on November 10, 2005 to 1,500 pounds and 1,000 pounds respectively per vessel per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

11/4/05
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.24.3 - This EMERGENCY action closes the Bissel Cove-Fox Island Transplant Area until the regularly scheduled opening date of the second Wednesday in December. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

11/1/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action decreases the commercial possession limit for scup beginning 3:00 PM on November 1, 2005 to 3000 pounds per vessel per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/21/05
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.24.3 - This EMERGENCY action opens the Bissel Cove-Fox Island Transplant Area temporarily to shellfishing from a boat on Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM until further notice. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/4/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit for summer flounder beginning 12:01 AM on October 5, 2005 to 250 pounds per vessel per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.10.4 - This action changes the Greenwich Bay Shellfish Management Area schedule to open on an annual basis for the summer harvest area beginning on October 24, 2005. [This regulation becomes effective October 24, 2005].

9/27/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action increases the commercial possession limit for black sea bass beginning 12:01 AM on September 28, 2005 to 750 pounds per vessel per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit for scup for gear types other than floating fish traps beginning 12:01 AM on September 28, 2005 to 500 pounds per vessel per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

9/14/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14 - This action increases the commercial possession limit for black sea bass beginning 12:01 AM on September 15, 2005 to 500 pounds per vessel per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action closes the commercial fishery for striped bass beginning 12:01 AM on September 15, 2005 for all gear types other than floating fish traps. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

8/12/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14 - This action increases the commercial possession limit for black sea bass beginning 12:01 AM on August 12, 2005 to 300 pounds per vessel per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7/8/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.19 - This amendment creates a section for Atlantic herring in RI regulations governing the commercial harvest of Atlantic herring in RI. [This regulation becomes effective 7/28/05].

7.7.2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit for summer flounder beginning 12:01 AM on July 9, 2005 to 150 pounds per vessel per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7.11.2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit for scup beginning 12:01 AM on July 9, 2005 to 500 pounds per vessel per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7.14.1 - This action increases the commercial possession limit for black sea bass beginning 12:01 AM on July 9, 2005 to 250 pounds per vessel per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/21/05
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE MANAGEMENT OF MARINE FISHERIES
This action enacts the dockside sale policy for lobster which creates a new endorsement for commercial lobster licenses allowing a license with endorsement holder to sell live lobsters at the dock. [This regulation becomes effective on July 11, 2005].

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action closes the commercial fishery for striped bass for the general category fishery beginning 12:01 AM on June 23, 2005. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/17/05
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE LANDING OF SHELLFISH IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
This emergency action regulates the landing of shellfish in Rhode Island to prevent the landing of shellfish which has been harvested in areas closed by governmental agencies due to the presence of red tide. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/3/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action decreases the commercial possession limit for scup for the floating fish trap sector beginning 12:01 AM on June 4, 2005 to 1,000 pounds per fish trap licensee per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/1/05
PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.11 and 15.20 - This action is an amendment to the schedule for commercial lobster gauge increases that removes the July 1, 2005 increase of 1/32" [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

5/24/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7 - This action is a technical revision to the supercede number on the 5/24/05 filing of Part VII that was incorrectly written as 3576 on the original filing, it should have read 3567 [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

5/23/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action decreases the commercial possession limit for scup for the floating fish trap sector beginning 12:01 AM on May 24, 2005 to 10,000 pounds per fish trap licensee per calendar day [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

5/16/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.9.2 - This action closes the commercial fishery for tautog beginning 12:01 AM on May 17, 2005 until August 1, 2005 at which point the possession limit will be 10 fish per vessel per calendar day [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

5/6/05
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 and 12.5 - This action is an amendment to change the striped bass floating fish trap quota roll over date to the general category fishery from October 15 to October 1. The 10,000 pound floating fish trap set aside will be available on October 15 to the general category fishery [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART XI - COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
11.19.1 - This action is an amendment to the mesh size requirements for the winter flounder fishery. The minimum mesh size will be 6.5" for harvesting winter flounder in state waters [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.12.4 - This action is an amendment to the Ninigret Pond spawner sanctuary which expands the spawner sanctuary boundaries from a triangle to a rectangle in the western section of the pond [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART X - EQUIPMENT RESTRICTIONS
10.11 - This action is an amendment to the Scup gear requirements which increases the minimum mesh requirement to 5" for the scup fishery from May 1 through October 31 [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.8.1 - This action is an amendment to the Winter Flounder recreational fishery which alters the season to open on the fourth Saturday in April, running for 30 days, and then to open on the last Saturday in September, running for 30 days [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

7.8.2 - This action is an amendment to the Winter Flounder commercial fishery which increases the minimum mesh size to 6.5" for harvesting winter flounder in state waters [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

7.11.4 - This action is an amendment to the Scup recreational fishery which alters the bag limit and season to 25 fish from July 1 through October 31 for the shore/private sectors and 25 fish from July 1 through August 31 ; 60 fish from September 1 through October 31 for the party/charter boat sector [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

7.14.1 - This action is an amendment to the Black Sea Bass commercial fishery which re-allocates the quota in the summer 2 (39%) and winter 2 (11%) sub periods [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

7.14.2 - This action is an amendment to the Black Sea Bass recreational fishery which opens the recreational fishery annually from January 1 through December 31 [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

7.14.2 - This action is an amendment to the Shad fishery which prohinits the landing or possession of shad in state waters [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

4/26/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases commercial possession of summer flounder to 2,000 pounds per vessel per calendar day [from 1000 pounds per vessel per calendar day], effective at 1:00PM 4/26/05. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

4/18/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases commercial possession of summer flounder to 1,000 pounds per vessel per calendar day [from 500 pounds per vessel per calendar day], effective at 1:00PM 4/18/05. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

4/4/05
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.1 - This action is a technical revision to clarify the summer flounder aggregate program. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.24.3 - This EMERGENCY action opens the Bissel Cove-Fox Island Transplant Area temporarily to shellfishing from a boat until 4/30/05. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

1/5/05
PART XIV - FISH TRAPS
14.1 - 14.7 - This action amends regulations for the floating fish trap industry. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART XVII - MAPS
MAPS 6a and 6b - This action amends the floating fish trap mapping. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

12/21/04
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.10.4, 4.22.2, 4.24.3, 4.27 and 4.28 - This action alters the harvest schedule for boat shellfish harvesting in Greenwich Bay, Bristol Harbor, Bissel Cove, Potowomut Shellfish, and High Banks management areas during the 2004 holiday season. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

12/13/04
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.10.4 and 4.27 - This action clarifies language regarding boat harvesting in Greenwich Bay and Potowomut Shellfish management areas. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FOR FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.1 and 7.11.2 - This action initiates an aggregate program for scup and summer flounder. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

11/24/04
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 and 12.5 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery for all gear types beginning 12:01 AM 11/25/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

11/17/04
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 and 12.5 - This action re-opens the commercial striped bass fishery for all gear types beginning 1:00 PM 11/17/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

11/12/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.1 - This action alters the scheduled sub-period allocation for the commercial summer flounder fishery. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

7.9.2 - This action closes the commercial tautog fishery effective 12:01 AM 11/13/04. This fishery will reopen when the next sub-period begins 4/15/05. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7.11.2 - This action alters the scheduled 11/1 sub-period opening possession limit for the commercial scup fishery to 3,500 lbs. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

11/03/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases the possession limit for the commercial summer flounder fishery to 1,000 lbs. [from the 11/1/04 sub-period opener of 450 lbs.], effective 1:00 PM on 11/3/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7.11.2 - This action increases the possession limit for the commercial scup fishery to 3,500 lbs. [from the 11/1/04 sub-period opener of 2,000 lbs.], effective 1:00 PM on 11/3/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7.14 - This action reduces the possession limit for the commercial black sea bass fishery to 100 lbs. [from the 11/1/04 sub-period opener of 500 lbs.], effective 1:00 PM on 11/3/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action re-opens the commercial striped bass fishery for all gear types from 1:00 PM 11/3/04 through 12:01 AM 11/8/04 at which time and date the striped bass fishery will close to all gear types. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/22/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases the possession limit for the commercial summer flounder fishery to 1,000 lbs. [from 500 lbs.], effective 12:01 AM on 10/23/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7.11.2 - This action increases the possession limit for the commercial scup fishery to 500 lbs. [from 100 lbs.], effective 12:01 AM on 10/23/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action re-opens the commercial striped bass fishery for all gear types other than floating fish traps for three days effective 12:01 AM 10/23/04 through 12:01 AM 10/26/04 at which time and date the striped bass fishery will close to all gear types INCLUDING floating fish traps see section 12.5. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/08/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases the possession limit for the commerical summer flounder fishery to 500 lbs. [from 300 lbs.], effective 12:01 AM on 10/09/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

9/10/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases the possession limit for the commerical summer flounder fishery to 300 lbs. [from 200 lbs.], effective 12:01 AM on 9/13/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action closes the striped bass fishery for all gear types other than floating fish traps, effective at 12:01 AM on 9/13/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

9/03/04
PART XV - LOBSTER, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.11.1 - This action is a technical revision to re-insert a line that was inadvertently dropped during the 8/17/04 filing [This regulation becomes effective 9/6/04].

8/17/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.2 - This action adjusts the recreational season for black sea bass [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (9/6/04)].

PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.11.1; 15.14.1; 15.20.3 - This action sets the schedule for increases in lobster gauge and escape vent sizes; and elminates the "Lobster Exemption Certificate" program for fishermen. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (9/6/04)].

8/12/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases the commercial possession for summer flounder to 200 lbs. [from 150 lbs.] for all gear types other than floating fish traps effective 12:01 AM 8/13/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/24/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases the commercial possession for summer flounder to 150 lbs. [from 100 lbs.] for all gear types other than floating fish traps effective 12:01 AM 6/25/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7.11.2 - This action decreases the commercial possession for scup to 100 lbs. [from 1,000 lbs.] for all gear types other than floating fish traps effective 12:01 AM 6/25/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/18/04
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery for all gear types other than floating fish traps effective 12:01 AM 6/21/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

5/25/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action reduces the commercial floating fish trap possession limit of scup to 1,000 pounds per trap licensee, per calendar day [from 10,000 lbs.] effective 12:01 AM 5/26/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

5/14/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.9.2 - This action closes the commercial tautog fishery, effective 12:01 AM 5/17/04 until the 8/1/04 sub-period begins. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

5/13/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action reduces the commercial floating fish trap possession limit of scup to 10,000 pounds per trap licensee, per calendar day [from 25,000 lbs.] effective 12:01 AM 5/14/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

4/16/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit of summer flounder to 750 pounds per vessel, per calendar day [from 300 lbs.] effective 12:01 AM 4/17/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

4/2/04
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.27 - This action amends the boundaries and harvesting schedule of the Potowomut Shellfish Management Area. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

4.28 - This action modifies the harvesting schedule of the High Banks Shellfish Management Area. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.1 - This action allows the commercial summer flounder aggregate landings emergency program to expire;

7.15.2 - allows the spiny dogfish aggregate landings program to expire;

7.7.4 and 7.11.4 - alters the recreational management plans for both scup and summer flounder;

7.11.2 - alters the management plan for the commercial floating fish trap scup fishery. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.13.1 - This action increases the legal size for circular escape vents; and

15.14.1 - limits the number of trap tags allowed. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

3/5/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2- This action decreases the commercial possession limit of summer flounder to 300 pounds per vessel, per calendar day [from 700 lbs.] effective 12:01 AM 3/6/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

2/25/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2- This action terminates the aggregate landing program for the summer flounder commercial fishery. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

1/29/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.1- This action is a technical revision to the percentage calculations of the quota allocation for the annual sub-periods of the summer flounder commercial fishery. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

1/05/04
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.1- This action establishes an aggregate landing program for the summer flounder commercial fishery during the sub-period known as Winter I [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

12/11/03
New regulations that establish the marine fisheries commercial licensing system for 2004 have been promulgated by DEM. The primary document is entitled "Rules and Regulations Governing the Management of Marine Fisheries". (These regulations become effective 20 days from filing - 12/31/03)
This body of regulations requires the following three companion Management Plans that were filed on 11/7/03 (effective 11/27/03):
Management Plan for the Finfish Fishery Sector;

Management Plan for the Shellfish Fishery Sector; and

Management Plan for the Crustacean Fishery Sector. View CURRENT Licensing Regulations and Management Plans

12/05/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2- This action increases the commercial possession limit of summer flounder to 1,000 pounds per vessel, per calendar day [from 450 lbs.] effective 12:01 AM 12/6/03. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

11/18/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.9.2- This action closes the commercial tautog fishery effective 12:01 AM 11/19/03. This fishery will re-open April 15, 2004. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7.14.1 - This action closes the commercial black sea bass fishery, effective 12:01 AM 11/19/03. This fishery will re-open January 1, 2004. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing]. 11/07/03
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.9.1 - This action adds language that updates the current AAD rules for appeal. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.1- This action adjusts commercial quota management for summer flounder for 2004 [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

7.11.2 - This action adjusts commercial quota management for scup for 2004; and adds language that updates current AAD rules for appeal. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

7.14.1 - This action adjusts commercial quota management for black sea bass for 2004 [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART IX - SHELLFISH BUYER'S LICENSE - STATUTES
9.3 - This action adds language that updates the current AAD rules for appeal. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART XV - LOBSTER, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.5.2 & 5.8.1 - This action adds language that updates the current AAD rules for appeal. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

15.11.1 - This action makes permanent the emergency filing of 5/2/03 that implemented an exemption program for dealers or individuals that exclusively fish in ASMFC Lobster Management Area 3 to possess lobsters that are shorter than the minimum gauge size specified for Rhode Island. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

15.13.2 - This action amends the escape vent specifications for lobster pots. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing]

15.14.1 - This action adds language that updates the current AAD rules for appeal. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

Management Plans
This action adopted 2004 management controls as required by section 6.2 of the "Rules and Regulations Governing the Management of Marine Fisheries"
Management Plan for the Finfish Fishery Sector;

Management Plan for the Shellfish Fishery Sector; and

Management Plan for the Crustacean Fishery Sector.
(These regulations become effective 20 days from filing) View CURRENT Licensing Regulations and Management Plans 11/03/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1- This action decreases the commercial possession of black sea bass to 100 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day [from 500 lbs.], effective 12:01 AM 11/04/03. This fishery is scheduled to begin a new sub-period on 1/1/04. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action re-opens the commercial striped bass fishery with a 3-fish/day/license holder possession limit for all gear types except floating fish traps, effective 11/08/03 at 12:01 AM, until the remaining allotted annual quota is harvested. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/29/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2- This action decreases the commercial possession of scup to 1,000 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day [from 4,000 lbs.] for all gear types except floating traps, effective 12:01 AM 10/30/03. This fishery is scheduled to begin a new sub-period on 11/1/03 with a 4,000 lb. possession limit per vessel, per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/24/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.15.2- This action establishes an aggregate landing program for the commercial spiny dogfish fishery, effective 12:01 AM 10/26/03. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/23/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2- This action increases the commercial possession of scup to 4,000 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day [from 300 lbs.] for all gear types except floating traps, effective 12:01 AM 10/24/03. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/20/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1- This action closes the commercial fishery for black sea bass for the remainder of this sub-period, effective 12:01 PM 10/21/03. This fishery is scheduled to re-open Nov. 1, 2003 with a possession limit of 500 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/16/03
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action re-opens the commercial striped bass fishery to all gear types except floating fish traps from 10/16/03 at 2:00 PM through 10/25/03. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

10/16/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2- This action increases the commercial possession of scup to 300 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day [from 100 lbs.] for all gear types except floating traps, effective 2:00 PM 10/16/03. This fishery is scheduled to re-open on Nov. 1, 2003 with a possession limit of 2,000 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7.14.1- This action reduces the commercial possession limit for black sea bass to 50 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day [from 100 lbs.], effective 2:00 PM 10/16/03. This fishery is scheduled to re-open Nov. 1, 2003 with a possession limit of 500 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

9/11/03
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery to all gear types except floating fish traps, effective 12:01 AM 9/12/03. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

8/21/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2- This action closes commercial scup fishery for all gear types except floating traps, effective 12:01 AM 8/24/03. This fishery is scheduled to re-open on Sept. 16, 2003 with a possession limit of 100 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/27/03
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery to all gear types except floating fish traps, effective 12:01 AM 6/29/03. This fishery is scheduled to re-open 9/1/03 to harvest the remainder of the quota with a reduced possession limit of 3 fish per person, per day. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/19/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action closes the commercial summer flounder fishery, effective 12:01 AM 6/21/03. This fishery is scheduled to re-open 8/1/03 with a 150 lb. possession limit. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

7.11.2- This action closes commercial scup for the floating trap fishery for the reminder of 2003, effective 12:01 AM 6/20/03. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/13/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2- This action reduces the commercial possession limit of scup for gear types other than floating traps to 100 lbs. [from 1,000 lbs.], effective 12:01 AM 6/14/03. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/09/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2- This action reduces the commercial possession limit of scup for the floating trap fishery to 2,000 lbs. [from 10,000 lbs.], effective 12:01 AM 6/10/03. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/05/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1- This action reduces the commercial possession limit for black sea bass to 50 lbs. [from 100 lbs.], effective 12:01 AM 6/6/03, until the quota is harvested or until August 1, 2003 when the possession limit is scheduled to be 100 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day [This regulation becomes effective upon filing].

6/02/03
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.10.4 - This action adjusts the harvesting schedule for a portion of the Greenwich Bay Shellfish Mangement Area. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

4.28 - This action clarifies and updates the winter harvesting schedule for the High Banks Shellfish Management Area. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.18.1- This action establishes the commercial possession limit for weakfish as June 1 - June 30 and from August 7 - November 8, the commercial possession is unlimited. At all other times the possession limit is 300 pounds. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing].

7.18.2 - This action establishes the recreational season for weakfish as open January 1 - December 31, annually. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing]. 5/27/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action reduces the possession limit of commercial scup to 10,000 lbs. [from 25,000 lbs.] for the floating fish trap fishery effective 5/28/03 at 12:01 AM and until the start of the next sub-period 6/1/03. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing]. 5/15/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.9.2 - This action closes the commercial tautog fishery effective 5/16/03 at 12:01 AM until 8/1/03, the start of the next sub-period. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing]. 5/02/03
PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.11.1 - This action implements an exemption program for dealers or individuals that exclusively fish in ASMFC Lobster Management Area 3 to possess lobsters that are shorter than the minimum gauge size specified for Rhode Island. [This regulation becomes effective upon filing]. 4/18/03
PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.13 - This action increases the escape vent sizes for lobster traps, effective 7/1/03 at 12:01 AM. [This regulation becomes effective twenty days from filing (5/8/03)].

15.14.1 - This action specifies a time period during which recreational lobster trap tags are valid. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/8/03)].

15.20.3 - This action adopts the ASMFC Lobster Fishery Management Area management measures [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/8/03)].

4/11/03
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.27 - This action inserts language into the Potowomut Shellfish Management Area regulations that allows for harvesting modification any year when Christmas day falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)]

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.1 - This action inserts language allowing modification to the sub-periods for the commercial summer flounder fishery. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)].

7.7.4 - This action decreases the recreational minimum size for summer flounder to 17.5" [from 18"] total length; and increases the recreational summer flounder season. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)].

7.9.2 - This action adjusts the season allocations; and possession limits to 10 fish [from 20 fish], for the commercial tautog fishery. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing 4/11/03)

7.11.2 - This action adjusts the scup sub-periods/quota allocations for the floating fish trap fishery.[This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)]

7.11.4 - This action increases the recreational scup season and possession limit. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)]

7.14.1 - This action adjusts the sub-periods and possession limits for the commercial black sea bass fishery. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)]

7.14.2 - This action increases the minimum size to 12" [from 11.5"]; and establishes a season for recreational black sea bass. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)]

7.15 - This action establishes a season and possession limit for the commercial spiny dogfish fishery; establishes a prohibition on 'finning'. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)]

7.18 - This action establishes a season for the recreational weakfish fishery. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)]

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action adjusts the season, quota allocations, and possession limits of the commercial striped bass fishery for gear types other than fish traps. [This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)]

12.5 - This action adjusts the season, quota allocations, and possession limits of the commercial striped bass fishery for the floating fish trap fishery.[This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (5/1/03)]

4/3/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action reduces the commercial possession of summer flounder to 100 lbs. [from 300 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day, effective 4/5/03 at 12:01 AM. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

7.14.1 - This action reduces the commercial possession of black sea bass to 100 lbs. [from 500 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day, effective 4/5/03 at 12:01 AM. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

3/28/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action reduces the commercial possession of summer flounder to 300 lbs. [from 1,500 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day, effective 3/30/03 at 12:01 AM. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

7.14.1 - This action reduces the commercial possession of black sea bass to 500 lbs. [from 1,000 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day, effective 3/30/03 at 12:01 AM. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

3/14/03
PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.11.1 - This action sets a schedule for increasing the minimum gauge size for the lobster fishery. Effective 3/15/03 the gauge size will be 3-11/32 inches (84.93mm); then effective 7/1/03 the gauge size will increase to 3-3/8 inches (85.72mm). (This regulation becomes effective 3/15/03).

2/14/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action increases the commercial possession of summer flounder to 1,500 lbs. [from 700 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day, effective 2/16/03 at 12:01 AM. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

7.11.2 - This action establishes a weekly trip limit program for the commercial scup fishery. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

01/09/03
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.15 - This action closes the commercial fishery for spiny dogfish beginning 12:01 AM on January 10, 2003. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

PART X - EQUIPMENT RESTRICTIONS
10.1 - This action eliminates language that prohibited the use of SCUBA in Charlestown, Green Hill and Quonochaontaug Ponds. (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing - 1/29/03).

PART XVI - MENHADEN REGULATIONS
16.1; 16.2; 16.4 - This action amends these regulations to reflect the new RI General Law 20-4.1-3 that prohibits the taking of menhaden for reduction (fishmeal) purposes from Rhode Island waters. (This regulation becomes effective twenty days from filing - 1/29/03).

REPEALED regulations entitled "Wet Storage of Molluscan Shellfish" on this date. These regulations are superceded by 19.5 of the RI Marine Fisheries Statutes and Regulations. 12/31/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action reduces the commercial possession of black sea bass for the 1/1/03 scheduled opening to 1,000 lbs. [from 7,000 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day, effective 1/1/03 at 12:01 AM. This action is taken in compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Fishery Management Plan(FMP) for black sea bass. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

12/19/02
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.10.4, 4.22.2, 4.24.3, & 4.28 - This action modifies the winter shellfish harvesting schedule now in place for Greenwich Bay, Bissel Cove, Bristol Harbor and High Banks Shellfish Management Areas. The action closes these areas on Wednesday 12/25/02 (Christmas Day) then allows shellfish harvesting on the day immediately following Christmas day. The language allows for this harvesting modification any year when Christmas falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

12/11/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.17 - This action prohibits the commercial harvesting, landing, or possession of American shad within Rhode Island waters between January 1 and June 17, 2003. (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing).

PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.11.1 - This action increases the legal minimum size of lobster to 3 - 5/16" (84.13mm) beginning 1/1/03. (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing).

A technical revision was made on this date to the new commercial fishing licensing regs entitled "Rules and Regulations Governing the Management of Marine Fisheries" View CURRENT Licensing Regulation and Management Plans 12/03/02
New regulations that restructure the marine fisheries commercial licensing system have been promulgated by DEM. The primary document is entitled "Rules and Regulations Governing the Management of Marine Fisheries". This body of regulations requires the following three companion Management Plans:
Management Plan for the Finfish Fishery Sector;

Management Plan for the Shellfish Fishery Sector; and

Management Plan for the Crustacean Fishery Sector.
(These regulations become effective 20 days from filing) View CURRENT Licensing Regulations and Management Plans

PART II - SHELLFISH AND FINFISH HARVESTING LICENSES
This action REPEALS Part II of the "RI Marine Fisheries Statutes and Regulations". The new licensing regulation listed above now supercede Part II. (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing).

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.10 - This action inserts residual language from Part II of the "RI Marine Fisheries Statutes and Regulations". (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing).

11/27/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action reduces the commercial possession limit for summer flounder to 150 pounds [from 450 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day, beginning 12:01 AM on 11/28/02. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

7.11.2 - This action closes the commercial scup fishery effective 12:01 AM on 12/2/02. This fishery is scheduled to reopen 1/1/03. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

11/22/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.9.2 - This action closes the commercial tautog fishery for the remainder of the 10/15/02 - 12/31/02 sub-period, effective 11/23/02 at 12:01 AM. This fishery is scheduled to reopen 4/15/03. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

11/20/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action closes the commercial black sea bass fishery beginning 12:01 AM on 11/22/2002. The next sub-period is scheduled to begin 1/1/2003. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.19 - This action removes the language that prohibited shellfishing by SCUBA in Charlestown, Green Hill or Quonochontaug Ponds. (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing)
4.27 - This action closes shellfishing from a boat until the second Wednesday in December, 2003 in the Potowomut Shellfish Management Area. (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing) 10/31/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.15 - This action reopens the commercial spiny dogfish fishery for harvest, landing, and possession within the territorial waters of Rhode Island, beginning 12:01 AM on 11/1/2002. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

10/25/02
PART V - SCALLOPS
5.13 - This action prohibits the dredging of scallops in Point Judith Pond during the 2002 scallop season. (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing).

5.14 - The action eliminates the language of this entire section on the prohibition of the use of SCUBA to harvest shellfish in Charlestown, Green Hill, and Quonochontaug Ponds for consistency RI law. (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing).

10/23/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action reduces the commercial possession limit of black sea bass to 100 lbs. [from 750 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day beginning 12:01 AM October 24, 2002. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

10/18/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit of scup to 300 lbs. [from 200 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day beginning 12:01 AM October 20, 2002. These regulations are for all gear types except floating fish traps. The scup sub-period that begins 11/1/02 is scheduled to open with a commercial possession limit of 2,000 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

10/03/02
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.5 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery for floating fish traps, effective October 4, 2002 at 12:01 AM. The fish trap fishery is scheduled to reopen 1/1/03. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

09/27/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit of scup to 750 lbs. [from 200 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day beginning 12:01 AM October 1, 2002 for a period of four days. On October 5, 2002 at 12:01 AM the possession limit will return to 200 lbs. per vessel, per calendar day. These regulations are for all gear types except floating fish traps (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

09/13/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit of scup to 200 lbs. [a limit that was scheduled to open 9/16/02 at 100 lbs.]; effective 9/16/02. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.5 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery gear types other than floating fish traps, effective October 1, 2002 at 12:01 AM. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

08/09/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit of scup to 200 lbs. [from 100 lbs.] per vessel, per calendar day for all gear types except floating fish traps, effective August 10, 2002 at 12:01 AM. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

08/02/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action closes the commercial black sea bass fishery, effective August 6, 2002 at 12:01 AM. The black sea bass fishery is scheduled to reopen 10/1/02. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

07/19/02
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.5 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery for floating fish traps, effective July 22, 2002 at 12:01 AM. The fish trap fishery is scheduled to reopen 9/1/02. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

07/15/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action reduces the commercial per vessel/per day possession limit of black sea bass to 100 lbs. [from 500 lbs.], effective July 16, 2002 at 12:01 AM. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

06/28/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.15 - This action closes the commercial spiny dogfish fishery, effective July 1, 2002 at 12:01 AM. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action closes the commercial rod and reel striped bass fishery, effective June 29, 2002 at 12:01 AM. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing). 06/24/02
PART I - LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS
1.3 - This action adds new definitions for Part IV and the new Part XIX. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.1.7 - 4.1.10 AND 4.30 - 4.33 -- This action prescribes guidelines for the sale, handling, and tagging of shellfish by commercial harvesters. (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing)

PART XIX - FISH/SHELLFISH DEALERS REGULATIONS
This action establishes regulations that prescribe the conduct, possession, holding, bartering, trading, and sale of shellfish, wild or cultured, for shellfish dealers for the purposes of protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

The DEM Director filed regulations governing Aquaculture of Marine Species in Rhode Island Waters. The purpose of these regulations are to establish the permitting, licensing, and conditions under which aquaculture shall be conducted in Rhode Island. The full text of the regulations are posted here in Adobe Acrobat format. (These regulations become effective upon filing) 06/21/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action closes the commercial summer flounder fishery, effective June 23, 2002 at 12:01 AM. This fishery will re-open August 1, 2002 with a possession limit of 150 lbs. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing).

06/11/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.4 - This action amends the season and possession limits for the recreational scup fishery. This fishery will open on July 1, 2002 with a possession limit of 8 scup; then on August 24, 2002 the possession limit will increase to 50 scup through 12/31/02. The minimum size remains at 10" TL. (This regulation becomes effective 7/01/02). 06/06/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action closes the commercial black sea bass fishery, effective June 7, 2002 at 12:01 AM. This fishery will reopen on July 1, 2002. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing 6/05/02).

PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.10.4 - This action opens a portion of the Greenwich Bay Shellfish Management Area to harvesting shellfish by boat from sunrise June 26, 2002 until sunset September 2, 2002. This opening will be subject to water quality status by DEM Office of Water Resources. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing 6/06/02) 05/24/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action reduces commercial possession limit of black sea bass to 150 lbs. [from 1,500 lbs.] beginning 12:01 AM on May 28, 2002. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing 5/24/02). 05/10/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action reduces commercial possession limit of scup to 100 lbs. [from 1,000 lbs.] beginning 12:01 AM on May 11, 2002. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing 5/10/02). 04/26/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2 - This action reduces the commercial possession limit for summer flounder to 100 lbs. [from 1,500 lbs.] beginning 12:01 AM on April 28, 2002. (This regulation becomes effective 04/26/02 upon filing)

7.9.2 - This action closes the commercial tautog fishery beginning 12:01 AM on April 28, 2002, until the next sub-period begins on August 1, 2002. (This regulations becomes effective upon filing 4/26/02)

7.14 - This action increases the legal commercial length for possession of black sea bass to 11 inches (11") [from 10"] (This regulations becomes effective upon filing 4/26/02)

7.15 - This action permits the commercial harvest, landing, and possession of spiny dogfish within the territorial Rhode Island waters. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing 4/26/02) 04/11/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.4 - This action increases the minimum size for the recreational possession of summer flounder to eighteen inches (18") [from 17.5"]; reduces the possession limit to five (5) summer flounder [from 6 fish]; and establishes the 2002 recreational season at 5/25 - 9/20/2002.  (This regulation becomes effective 05/1/02)

7.11.2 - This action sets the conditions for the commercial harvest of the scup annual quota allocated for the Summer-Fall Period.  (This regulation becomes effective 05/1/02)

7.11.4 - This action establishes the recreational season for scup at 8/1 - 12/31 annually.  (This regulation becomes effective 05/1/02)

7.14.1 - This action sets a schedule for commercially harvesting the annual allocated quota of black sea bass  (This regulation becomes effective 05/1/02)

7.14.2 - This action increases the minimum size for the recreational possession of black sea bass to eleven and one-half inches (11-1/2") [from 11"]; and increases the season to year around.    (This regulation becomes effective 05/1/02)

PART X - EQUIPMENT RESTRICTIONS
10.11.1 - This action changes the minimum mesh requirements for trawl nets used to harvest scup and black sea bass; also the trigger poundage. (This regulation becomes effective 05/1/02)

PART XI - COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
11.12.2 - This action changes the escape vent size requirements for traps/pots used to harvest black sea bass.   (This regulations becomes effective 5/1/02)

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 This action specifies seasons, quota allocations, and possession limits for the 2002 commercial striped bass fishery.  (This regulation becomes effective 05/1/02)

PART XV - LOBSTER, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.14.1 - This action clarifies language for the lobster trap tag program to achieve intent of ASMFC's Lobster FMP.  (This regulation becomes effective 05/1/02)

03/28/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.1 - This action redefines sub-periods, sub-period allocations, and beginning possession limits for the commercial summer flounder fishery. This filing also establishes a procedure by which the over-harvested or under-harvested allocation of a sub-period will be managed. (This regulation becomes effective 04/17/02) 03/06/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-1 - This action decreases commercial possession of scup to 1,000 lbs. [from 10,000 lbs.] . (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM on 03/07/02) 02/08/02
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action increases commercial possession of summer flounder to 1,500 lbs. [from 700 lbs.] . (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM on 02/10/02)
12/31/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action reduces the 1/1/02 - 3/31/02 season-opening commercial possession of black sea bass to 7,000 lbs.. (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM on 1/1/02) 12/27/01
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL and
PART IV - SHELLFISH
This action renews several existing Shellfish Management Areas for a five-year period. (This regulation becomes effective at upon filing 12/27/01)
12/13/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action closes the commercial fishery for summer flounder (fluke). This fishery is scheduled to re-open 1/1/02 with a 700 lbs. possession limit. (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM on 12/15/01) 11/28/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action increases the commercial possession limit per vessel, per calendar day of summer flounder (fluke) to 1,000 pounds [from 350 lbs.]. (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM on 11/29/01) 11/21/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-1 - This action closes the commercial scup fishery. This fishery is scheduled to reopen 1/1/02. (This regulation becomes effective 11/23/01)

7.15 - This action closes the commercial spiny dogfish fishery until further notice (This regulation becomes effective 11/23/01) 11/15/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.9.2 - This action closes the commercial tautog fishery for the remainder of the 10/15 - 12/31 sub-period. This fishery is scheduled to reopen 4/15/02. (This regulation becomes effective 11/16/01)

11/07/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action closes the commercial black sea bass fishery. This fishery is scheduled to reopen 1/1/02 with a possession limit of 9,000 lbs. per vessel per calendar day. (This regulation becomes effective 11/10/01)

10/26/01
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.28 - This action changes the boat harvest schedule for the High Banks Shellfish Management Area. That schedule will resume on the second Wednesday in December 2002. (This regulation becomes effective 11/15/01)

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.15 - This action allows possession of spiny dogfish in the territorial waters of Rhode Island. Action taken to compliment the Federal opening on 11/1/01. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing (10/26/01) 10/10/01
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action opens the commercial striped bass fisheryfor gear types other than floating fish traps for a two-day bonus period from 10/13/01 through 10/14/01. This bonus period is established to utilize the small unharvested quota remaining from the annual allocated quota. (This regulation becomes effective 10/13/01 at 12:01 AM)

9/26/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-2 - This action closes the commercial scup fishery. (This regulation becomes effective 9/28/01 at 12:01 AM)

7.11.2-1 - This action increases the commercial scup possession limit for the Winter Period II (November - December). The scup possession limit on 11/1/01 will be 2000 lbs. [up from 500 lbs.]; once 70% of the period quota is harvested the possession limit will decrease to 500 lbs. (This regulation becomes effective 9/27/01 at 12:01 AM)

7.14.1 - This action decreases the commercial black sea bass possession limit for the October - December period. The possession limit on 10/1/01 will be 300 lbs. [down from 2,000 lbs.] (This regulation becomes effective 9/27/01 at 12:01 AM)

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery for gear types other than floating fish traps (This regulation becomes effective 9/27/01 at 12:01 AM)

9/18/01
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.5 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery for floating fish traps -- 100% of the 2001 annual quota for floating traps has been harvested. [This fishery is scheduled to reopen 1/1/02] (This regulation becomes effective 9/19/01 at 12:01 AM)

8/9/01
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.5 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery for floating fish traps. [This fishery is scheduled to reopen 9/1/01 with an unlimited possession limit until 100% of the trap net quota is harvested.] (This regulation becomes effective 8/10/01 at 12:01 AM)

7/25/01
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action opens the commercial striped bass fishery for gear types other than floating fish traps from 8/1/01 through 8/4/01 with a possession limit of three (3) fish per calendar day. This bonus season is established to utilize the small unharvested quota from the previous sub-period. (This regulation becomes effective 8/1/01 at 12:01 AM)

12.5 - This action opens the commercial striped bass fishery for floating fish traps beginning 7/27/01 at 12:01 AM with a possession limit of 100 pounds per calendar day until 80% of the trap net quota is harvested. Further, the fishery will reopen 9/1/01 with an unlimited possession limit until 100% of the trap net quota is harvested. (This regulation becomes effective 7/27/01 at 12:01 AM)

7/23/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - The action closes the commercial summer flounder (fluke) fishery. (This regulation becomes effective 7/25/01 at 12:01 AM)

7.11.2-2 - This action closes the commercial scup fishery. (This regulations becomes effective 7/25/01 at 12:01 AM)

7.14.1 - This action closes the commercial black sea bass fishery until October 1, 2001 for gear types other than floating fish traps. The fishery is scheduled to re-open with a possession limit of 2,000 pounds per vessel per calendar day. (This regulation becomes effective 7/24/01 at 12:01 AM)

7/10/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action reduces the legal maximum commercial possession of black sea bass to 150 pounds per calendar day [from 1000 lbs.] (This regulation becomes effective 7/12/01 at 12:01 AM)

12.5 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery for floating fish traps. (This regulation becomes effective 7/12/01)

6/28/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.15 - This action closes the commercial spiny dogfish fishery. (This regulation becomes effective 6/29/01 at 12:01 AM)

7.7.1 - This action clarifies language within this section regarding adjustments to sub-period allocations for summer flounder. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing)

7.11.5-1 - This action implements regulations to govern the shipping, transfer, and reporting of scup (This regulation becomes effective upon filing)

6/22/01
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action closes the commercial striped bass fishery. [The fishery is scheduled to re-open September 15, 2001.] (This regulation becomes effective 6/25/01 at 12:01 PM)

6/12/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-2 - This action closes the commercial scup fishery for floating fish traps (This regulation becomes effective 6/13/01 at 12:01 AM)

7.14.1 - This action closes the commercial black sea bass fishery for the remainder of the current period. [The fishery is scheduled to reopen 7/1/01 with a possession limit of 1,000 lbs.] (This regulation becomes effective 6/14/01 at 12:01 AM) 6/08/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action reduces the legal maximum commercial possession limit of summer flounder to 50 lbs. per calendar day [from the June 1 sub-period opener of 100 lbs.] (This regulation becomes effective 6/11/01 at 12:01 AM) 5/25/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-2 - This action closes the scup fishery to commercial methods of harvest other than floating fish traps. (This regulation becomes effective 5/26/001 at 12:01 AM)

7.11.2-2 - This action reduces the commercial floating fish trap possession limit of scup to 500 lbs. per calendar day [from 1,000 lbs.] until the fishery closes on 5/29/01 at 12:01AM. Further, on June 1, 2001 the possession limit for the trap fishery will be 1,000 lbs. per calendar day. (This regulation becomes effective 5/26/01 at 12:01 AM)

5/22/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-2 - This action opens the commercial scup fishery for floating fish traps with a possession limit of 1,000 lbs. per calendar day. (This regulation becomes effective 5/23/01 at 12:01 AM)

5/16/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action reduces the commercial possession of summer flounder to 50 lbs. [from 100 lbs.] per calendar day for commercial license holders with or without a Rhode Island Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate. (This regulation becomes effective 5/17/01 at 12:01 AM)

7.9.2 - This action closes the commercial tautog fishery for the remainder of the 4/15 - 5/31 sub-period. The fishery is scheduled to re-open when the next sub-period begins on August 1, 2001. (This regulation becomes effective 5/18/01 at 12:01 AM)

5/11/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7 - This action establishes the distribution among the sub-periods of the annual allocated quota of summer flounder and allows for the adjustment of that distribution in the event of an estimated over-harvest. (This regulation becomes effective 5/31/01)

7.14.1 - This action reduces the commercial possession limit for black sea bass to 150 lbs. per calendar day [from 1500 lbs.] as required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). (This regulation becomes effective 5/14/01 at 12:01 AM) 5/8/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action reduces the commercial possession of summer flounder to 100 lbs. [from 750 lbs.] per calendar day for commercial license holders with or without a Rhode Island Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate. (This regulation becomes effective 5/10/01 at 12:01 AM)

7.11.2 - This action closes the scup fishery to commercial floating fish traps until further notice. (This regulation becomes effective 5/10/01 at 12:01 AM)

5/3/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action implements the 60% harvest trigger which will limit the possession of scup to 10,000 pounds per calendar day for commercial floating fish traps. (This regulation becomes effective 5/5/01 at 12:01 AM)

7.15 - This action opens Rhode Island waters to the possession of Spiny dogfish.(This regulation becomes effective 5/4/01 at 12:01 AM)
The commercial possession limit for spiny dogfish for vessels issued a Federal Commercial Spiny Dogfish Permit is 600 pounds per calendar day.

4/30/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2 - This action establishes a commercial quota for Scup for 2001; sets guidelines for the transfer of quota allocations between floating trap and non-trap sectors of the industry, and establishes other measures that will facilitate management of the scup fishery. [The May 1 sub-period will open with a 1,000 lbs. possession limit; that possession limit will be reduced to 100 lbs. on May 15th.] (This regulation becomes effective upon filing)

PART XV - LOBSTER, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.24 - This action establishes commercial quotas, permit requirements, reporting requirements, and harvest restrictions for Horseshoe Crabs (This regulation becomes effective upon filing)

4/25/01
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.12.4 (new section) - This action establishes a portion of Ninigret Pond as a spawner sanctuary, and closes this area to the harvest of shellfish until May 17, 2002. (This regulation becomes effective 5/15/01)

4/20/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.4-1 - This action increases the recreational minimum legal size of fluke to 17½ inches [from the 15 ½ inches], and decreases the recreational maximum legal possession of fluke to six (6) fish per day per person [from 8 fish]. (This regulation becomes effective 5/10/01)

7.7.4-2 - This action sets the recreational season for fluke from May 26 through September 3 (This regulations becomes effective 5/10/01) 4/17/01
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action decreases the minimum legal size for the possession of Striped bass to 34 inches [from 36 inches]; increases maximum legal possession limit to 4 fish [from 3 fish] per license holder during open season; and sets the harvest schedule for the 2001 annual quota by the commercial handline fishery. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing 4/17/01)

12.5 - This action changes the minimum legal size for the possession of Striped bass to 28 inches [from 'between 24 and 40 inches']; and SETS the harvest schedule for 2001 annual quota by the commercial floating fish trap fishery. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing 4/17/01)

3/28/01
PART III - MARINE FISHERIES COUNCIL
3.6.23 - This action establishes Jenny's Creek as a Shellfish Management Area and DESCRIBES the area. (This regulation becomes effective 4/17/01)

PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.29 - This action closes Jenny's Creek Shellfish Management Area to shellfishing, in it's entirety until further notice. (This regulation becomes effective 4/17/01)

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH

7.5 - This action reduces the legal minimum recreational possession size for Striped bass to 28" [from 29"] (This regulation becomes effective 4/17/01)

7.11.4 - This action increases the legal minimum recreational possession size for Scup to 10" [from 9"] (This regulation becomes effective 4/17/01)

7.14.2 - This action increases the legal minimum recreational possession size for Black sea bass to 11" [from 10"]; establishes a bag limit of 25 fish per day; and a closed season from March 1 through May 9 annually. (This regulation becomes effective 4/17/01)

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.1 - This action establishes a no-closed recreational season status for Striped bass. The action further makes consistent the 28" legal minimum size established in section 7.5 above. (This regulation becomes effective 4/17/01)

PART XV - LOBSTER, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, and HORSESHOE CRABS

15.18 - This action refiles the non-trap lobster possession limit regulations, removing them from temporary status. (This regulation becomes effective immediately upon filing)
3/14/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action increases the maximum commercial possession limit of fluke to 750 lbs. [from the 500 lbs.] for those commercial license holders who possess a Rhode Island Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate. The possession limit will remain at 200 pounds for all other commercial license holders. (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM 3/15/01) 3/06/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-1 - This action closes the commercial scup fishery for the remainder of the Jan - April sub-period. The scup fishery is scheduled to reopen May 1, 2001. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 3/7/01)

7.14.1 - This action closes the commercial black sea bass fishery for the remainder of the Jan - March sub-period. The black sea bass fishery is scheduled to reopen April 1, 2001 with a possession limit of 1,500 lbs. (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM (3/7/01). 2/06/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action reduces the maximum commercial possession limit of fluke to 500 lbs. [from the 1000 lbs.] for those commercial license holders who possess a Rhode Island Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate. The possession limit will remain at 200 pounds for all other commercial license holders. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 2/7/01)

7.14.1 - This action reduces the maximum commercial possession limit of black sea bass to 4,500 lbs. [from 9,000 lbs.]. (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM (2/7/01).

1/29/01
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-1 - This action REDUCES the maximum commercial possession limit of scup to 1000 lbs. [from 10,000 lbs.] as of 12:01 AM 1/30/01. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 1/30/01)

PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.8.1 - This action CLARIFIES the intention of the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council that the tagging and labeling requirements for Shellfish Management Areas be consistent. (This regulation becomes effective 20 days from filing (2/18/01).

12/18/00
SHELLFISH MANAGEMENT AREAS - holiday harvesting
This action MAKES A HOLIDAY ADJUSTMENT to the scheduled Monday, Wednesday, Friday shellfishing schedule set in certain shellfish management areas. Because a state holiday falls on Monday 12/25, and Monday 1/1/01, the alternate open day will be December 19th and December 26 respectively. Harvesting will be permitted between the usual hours of 8:00AM and 12:00 noon during these alternate days. (This regulation becomes effective 12/18/00)

12/15/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.15 - This action PROHIBITS the commercial harvest/possession of spiny dogfish and parts thereof within the territorial waters of the State of Rhode Island. (This regulation becomes effective 1/4/01)

7.16 - This action ESTABLISHES a recreational possession limit of fifty (50) American eel per day within the territorial waters of the State of Rhode Island. (This regulation becomes effective 1/4/01)

PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.21 - This action ESTABLISHES a possession limit of twenty-five (25) blue crabs when taken by methods other than scoop, crab net, trot or hand line. (This regulation becomes effective 1/4/01)

15.22 - This action INCREASES the legal minimum size for possession of blue crabs to five inches (5") [from 4-1/8"] (This regulation becomes effective 1/4/01)
12/8/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action REDUCES the maximum commercial possession limit of fluke as of 12:01 AM 12/10/00. The possession limit will be 200 pounds for those fisherman who possess a Rhode Island Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate. The possession limit will remain at 200 pounds for other commercial license holders. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 12/10/00)
11/29/00
PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
12.18 - This action ESTABLISHES a commercial possession limit on lobsters taken by methods other than traps. (This regulation becomes effective upon filing 11/29/00)
11/21/00
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action RE-OPENS the commercial striped bass fishery for a five-day period. The fishery will open 12:01 AM 11/22/00 and close 12:01 AM 11/27/00. The possession limit remains at three (3) fish per license holder. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 11/22/00)
11/17/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action INCREASES the maximum commercial possession limit of fluke as of 12:01 AM 11/18/00. The possession limit will be 600 pounds for those fisherman who possess a Rhode Island Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate. The possession limit will remain at 200 pounds for other commercial license holders. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 11/18/00)
11/6/00
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.24.2 - This action OPENS shore digging within the Bissel Cove Shellfish Management Area. Shore digging will follow the Monday, Wednesday, Friday -- 8:00AM until noon schedule. This schedule begins the second Wednesday of December through April annually. [This regulation becomes effective 20 day from filing (11/26/00)]

4.25 - This action OPENS boat harvesting within the Upper Sakonnet Shellfish Management Area. Boat harvesting will follow the Monday, Wednesday, Friday -- 8:00AM until noon schedule. This schedule begins the second Wednesday of December through April annually. [This regulation becomes effective 20 day from filing (11/26/00)]

4.27 - This action CLOSES boat harvesting within the Potowomut Shellfish Management Area until the second Wednesday in December, 2001. [This regulation becomes effective 20 day from filing (11/26/00)]

4.28 - This action OPENS boat harvesting within the High Banks Shellfish Management Area. Boat harvesting will follow the Monday, Wednesday, Friday -- 8:00AM until noon schedule. This schedule begins the second Wednesday of December through April annually. [This regulation becomes effective 20 day from filing (11/26/00)]

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for black sea bass as of 12:01 AM on 11/7/00. The fishery is scheduled to reopen 1/1/2001. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 11/7/00)
11/1/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-2 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for scup as of 12:01 AM on 11/3/00. The fishery is scheduled to reopen 1/1/2001. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 11/3/00)

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.3 - This action CLOSES the commercial fishery for striped bass as of 12:01 AM on 11/3/00. The fishery is scheduled to reopen 6/1/2001. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 11/3/00)
10/25/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.14.1 - This action REDUCES the commercial possession limit for black sea bass to 1,000 pounds [from 2,000 pounds] until the remainder of the fourth quarter quota has been landed. This measure is taken in compliance with the Emergency Rule for the black sea bass fishery adopted by the ASMFC and the MAFMC. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 10/26/00)
10/20/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action REOPENS the commercial summer flounder fishery at 12:01 AM on October 23, 2000 with a fifty (50) pound possession limit. The summer flounder fishery is scheduled to open the next sub-period 11/1/00 with a 300 pound possession limit. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 10/23/00)
10/6/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action REOPENS the commercial summer flounder fishery from 12:01 AM on October 8, 2000 until 12:01 AM October 15, 2000. The possession limit during this one-week (7-day) period is fifty (50) pounds. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 10/8/00)
9/29/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES OF FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-1 - This action REDUCES the percentage of the scup quota that is required to trigger a decrease in possession limit for the Winter Period I. FURTHER, this action REDUCES the maximum legal possession limit for SCUP during the Winter Period II to 500 lbs. [from 4,000] (This regulation become effective 10/19/00)

7.11.2-2 - This action CLOSES the commercial scup fishery for all gear types for the remainder of the Summer-Fall Sub Period. (This regulations becomes effective 10/1/00 at 12:01 AM) NOTE: This fishery is scheduled to re-open 11/1/00 with a 500 lbs. possession limit.

7.14.1 - This action REDUCES the maximum legal possession limits on the annual schedule that regulates the black sea bass quota. (This regulation becomes effective 10/1/00) NOTE: Beginning 10/1/00 the maximum possession limit for black sea bass is 2,000 lbs.

PART X - EQUIPMENT RESTRICTIONS
10.11 - This action INCREASES the limit [to 500 lbs.] the trigger that requires the use of a minimum mesh size of 4.5" while commercially fishing for scup from November 1 through April 30 annually. (This regulation become effective 10/19/00)
9/15/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action REDUCES the legal possession limit of summer flounder to 50 lbs. [from 300 lbs.] until 12:01 AM 9/24/00 when the summer flounder fishery will CLOSE for the remainder of the Summer II Sub-Period (through 10/31/00). (These regulations become effective at 12:01 AM 9/17/00)

9/8/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-2 - This action REDUCES the legal possession limit of scup to 100 lbs. [from 300 lbs.] for all commercial gear types through September 15, 2000. This action further reduces the opening possession limit for the September 16 - October 31 sub-period to 100 lbs. [from 1,000 lbs.]. (This regulation becomes effective 9/10/00 at 12:01 AM)

7.11.5 - This action establishes regulations for the landing, shipping, reporting, and transferring of scup. Further this action clarifies the definition of "Port". (These regulations become effective at 12:01 AM on September 12, 2000)

8/25/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-2 - This action INCREASES the legal possession limit of scup to 300 lbs. for all commercial gear types through September 15, 2000. This action further assigns a 300-pound per vessel bycatch to the floating trap fishery from September 1 through September 15, 2000. (This regulation becomes effective 8/28/00 at 12:01 AM)

8/15/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-2 - This action RE-OPENS the scup fishery with a legal possession limit of 100 lbs. (This regulation becomes effective 8/16/00 at 12:01 AM)
8/8/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-2 - This action CLOSES the scup fishery until September 1. The quota for the July 1-Sept 15 sub-period has been harvested. However, the scup fishery will re-open September 1 through September 15 with a possession limit of 300 lbs. in order to harvest the portion of the quota that was not harvested by the floating fish trap fishery and re-allocated to the "other gear types". The scup fishery will re-open September 16 with a 1,000-pound possession limit, as scheduled. (This regulation becomes effective 8/9/00 at 12:01 AM)

7.14.1 - This action CLOSES the black sea bass fishery for the remainder of the July ? Sept period. The black sea bass fishery is scheduled to re-open October 1, 2000 with a 4,000-pound possession limit. (This regulation becomes effective 8/9/00 at 12:01 AM)
8/3/00
The DEM Director filed regulations governing the Wet Storage of Shellfish. The purpose of these regulations is to establish wet storage of shellfish standards intended to protect public health, and to restore and enhance the states shellfish resources. The full text of the regulations are posted here in Adobe Acrobat format.
7/25/00
PART XII - STRIPED BASS trap industry
12.5 - This action CLOSES the striped bass fishery for the floating fish trap industry. The fishery is scheduled to reopen January 1, 2001. (This regulation becomes effective 7/26/00 at 12:01 PM)

6/30/00
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action CLOSES the summer flounder (fluke) fishery for the remainder of the Summer I Sub-Period (6/1 - 8/31). (This regulation becomes effective 7/1/00 at 12:01 AM)
[On September 1, 2000 the summer flounder fishery is scheduled to open the Summer II Sub-Period with a possession limit of 300 lbs. for commercial license holders with a R.I. Summer Flounder Certificate, and 200 lbs. for those license holders without the Certificate.]
6/22/00
PART I - LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS
1.3 - Defines various terms relating to the lobster trap tag program (see below). (This regulation becomes effective 7/12/00)

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action REDUCES the legal maximum possession limit of summer flounder (fluke) to 50 lbs. [from 100 lbs.] (This regulation becomes effective 6/23/00 at 12:01 AM)

PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.14.1 through 15.14.1-13 - (new) These regulations establish the Rhode Island lobster trap tag program. (These regulations become effective 7/12/00)

6/13/00

PART XV - LOBSTERS, OTHER CRUSTACEANS, AND HORSESHOE CRABS
15.24 - (new section) These EMERGENCY regulations filed by the DIRECTOR establish regulations for horseshoe crabs Limulus polyphemus. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 6/14/00)

6/9/00

PART XV - LOBSTERS AND CRUSTACEANS
15.18 - This action repeals this section that limited the possession of lobsters taken by gear or methods other than traps. (This regulation becomes effective 6/29/00)

5/26/00

PART I - LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS
1.3 - Further defines Trip Limit (Possession Limit) (This regulation becomes effective 6/16/00)

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.5 - Updates this section to reflect the 4.14.00 filing that increased the recreational possession size for striped bass to 29". (This regulation becomes effective 6/16/00)

7.9.2 - Adds language to make the intent more specific regarding the commercial possession of tautog. (This regulation becomes effective 6/16/00)

PART X - EQUIPMENT RESTRICTIONS
10.3.1 - Clarifies the intent of this regulation by removing superfluous language. (This regulation becomes effective 6/16/00)

10.11.1 - For otter trawlers harvesting scup, this action reduces the pounds-in-possession amount that triggers the use of 4.5" minimum mesh size. (This regulation becomes effective 6/16/00)

PART XI - COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
11.19 - This action moves south the northernmost line of the Coastal Marine Life Management Area (CMLMA), thus reducing the area south of this line where it is legal to possess winter flounder (with a permit). (This regulation becomes effective 6/16/00)

11.19.4 - Updates language and references to the new above-mentioned lines of the CMLMA. (This regulation becomes effective 6/16/00)

11.19.5 - This action makes it a condition of the CMLMA Winter Flounder Permit that, upon the request of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, the permitted vessel is required to take a sea sampler onboard. (This regulation becomes effective 6/16/00)

5/17/00

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action CLOSES the summer flounder (fluke) fishery. (This regulation becomes effective 5/18/00 at 12:01 AM)

[This commercial fishery is scheduled to re-open June 1 at 100 lbs. possession limit. Additionally, this fishery is scheduled to begin a new sub-period September 1, 2000 when the possession limit will begin at 300 lbs. for commercial license-holders with a R.I. Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate, and at 200 lbs. for those commercial license-holders without the Certificate.]

5/15/00

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action reduces the maximum legal possession limit for summer flounder (fluke) to 100 pounds [from 300]. This possession limit applies to all commercial licensees whether or not they hold a R.I. Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate. (This regulation becomes effective 5/16/00 at 12:01 AM)

7.11.2-2 - According to current harvest report, the DFW is following the pre-determined reduction schedule for scup quota (for gear types other than floating fish traps) as follows: On 5/16/00 at 12:01 AM the scup quota will be reduced to 100 lbs. per vessel; then on 5/17/00 at 12:01 AM the fishery will close for the remainder of the May-June sub-period. (This regulation becomes effective 5/16/00 at 12:01 AM)

5/9/00

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.9; 7.9.1; 7.9.2 - This action opens the 2000 commercial TAUTOG fishery and establishes the schedule by which the annual allocation will be harvested. (These regulations become effective ON FILING[5/9/00])

4/28/00

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.11.2-2 - This action reduces the possession limit for the scheduled May 1 summer-fall opener for SCUP to 1,000 lbs. per vessel [from the previously determined 2,500 lbs. per vessel]; additionally, the action establishes the total allocation of SCUP quota for the 2000 summer-fall sub-period; the trip limit per vessel for floating traps; and the trip limit per vessel for gear types other than floating fish traps with the schedule by which the Division will reduce the legal maximum possession limits. (These regulations become effective 5/1/00 at 12:01 AM)

4/14/00

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action decreases the maximum legal possession limit for summer flounder (fluke) to 300 pounds [from 500] for commercial licensees who hold a R.I. Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate. (This regulation becomes effective 5/1/00 at 12:01 AM)

7.7.4 - This action increased the recreational legal minimum possession size for summer flounder to 15-1/2" [from 15"]; and sets the open recreational season at May 10 through October 2, annually; and sets the closed recreational season at October 3 through May 9, annually. (Effective 5/4/2000)

7.9 - Sets May 1 as the first day of the year for legal possession of tautog. (Effective 5/4/2000)

7.9.1 - Changes the legal possession limit and sets a season for tautog as follows: May 1 through October 14 - 3 fish per day; then October 15 through December 31 - 10 fish per day. (Effective 5/4/2000)

7.9.3 - Eliminates verbiage so that Charter and Party boats possession limits for tautog are the same as the standard recreational limits. (Effective 5/4/2000)

7.11.2-1 - Removes language that closed the Summer-Fall sub-period for scup; and it removes language that allowed floating fish trap fishery to resume a scup bycatch possession of 100 lbs. (Effective 5/4/2000)

7.14.1 - Updates the commercial annual possession limit schedule for black sea bass. (Effective 5/4/2000)

7.14.2 - Removes the 20-fish recreational possession limit for black sea bass. (Effective 5/4/2000)

PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.1 - Increases the recreational minimum legal possession size of striped bass to 29" [from 28"]; additionally, this action sets an open season of April 23 through November 30, annually; and a closed recreational striped bass season from December 1 through April 22, annually. (Effective 5/4/2000)

12.3 - This action adjusts the commercial striped bass possession schedule by increasing the September possession limit to three (3) fish [from 2]. (Effective 5/4/2000)

12.5 - Sets a range for legal possession size for striped bass in the floating fish trap net fishery. That range is: a minimum total length of 24 inches to a maximum total length of 40 inches. This action also removes verbiage that closed the 1999 trap net fishery. (Effective 5/4/2000)

3/30/00

PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action decreases the maximum legal possession limit for summer flounder (fluke) to 500 pounds [from 1,000] for commercial licensees who hold a R.I. Summer Flounder Exemption Certificate. (This regulation becomes effective 3/31/00 at 12:01 AM)

PART X - EQUIPMENT RESTRICTIONS
10.3.1 - New section establishing regulations for power hauling shellfish apparatus. (This regulation becomes effective 4/19/00).

2/16/00

COMMERCIAL SCUP FISHERY CLOSED for remainder of Winter sub-period.
Current regulations require that this fishery close once the period allocation has been landed. According to the National Marine Fisheries Service the entire quota will be landed on or about 2/17/00; therefore the fishery will close at 12:01 AM 2/17/2000. The new sub-period begins 5/1/2000. (This regulation becomes effective February 17, 2000 at 12:01 AM.)
2/7/00
COMMERCIAL SCUP POSSESSION LIMIT REDUCED TO 1,000 POUNDS
The National Marine Fisheries Service, according to the Fishery Management Plan, has determined that 85% of the 1,082,000 lbs January-through-April quota will be landed by 2/5/2000. Therefore, the legal commercial possession limit for SCUP is reduced to 1,000 pounds. (This regulation becomes effective February 8, 2000 at 12:01 AM)

12/28/99
PART IV - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 - This action increases the maximum legal possession limit for summer flounder (fluke) to 1,000 pounds until further notice. (This regulation becomes effective 12/29/99 at 12:01 AM)

7.11.1-1 - The Winter Sub Period for SCUP will open at 10,000 pounds. (This regulation becomes effective 1/1/2000 at 12:01 AM)
12/17/99
COMMERCIAL BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY CLOSED through end of year
The commercial BLACK SEA BASS fishery is closed in order to comply with the federal closure. The closure is in effect through the remainder of the fourth period (12/31/99). In accordance with 3.2.1-1 of the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Regulations, a notice terminating this fishery has been provided to the local press, and a notice of the closure has been submitted to the Secretary of State. (This notice is effective on 12/20/99)

The first period of the pre-determined schedule for 2000 begins 1/1/2000 and running through 3/31/2000, at that time the maximum legal possession for black sea bass will be 11,000 lbs.
12/10/99
PART VII - MINIMUM SIZES FISH/SHELLFISH
7.7.2-2 ? This action increases the maximum legal possession limit for summer flounder (fluke) to 400 lbs. (from 300). The maximum legal possession limit will be 1,000 on 1/1/2000 when the Winter Sub-Period begins. (This regulation becomes effective 12/11/99 at 12:01 AM)
11/16/99
PART IV - SHELLFISH
4.10.4-1; 4.22.2-1; 4.24.3-1; and 4.27 -- this action allows designated shellfish management areas to now be open during legal state holidays if the holiday falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday of the previously determined winter schedule.(This regulation becomes effective 12/6/99)

4.10.4-3; 4.22.2-3; 4.24.3-3; 4.27 -- this action regulates shellfishers to cull, bag, and tag prior to: leaving the approved harvest area; removing the product from the boat; or offering the product for sale.(This regulation becomes effective 12/6/99)

4.12.1 and 4.26.2 -- updated language (These regulations become effective 12/6/99)
10/5/99
COMMERCIAL STRIPED BASS FISHERY CLOSED
The commercial STRIPED BASS quota has been met, and in accordance with Rhode Island Marine regulation 12. 3, a notice terminating this fishery has been provided to the local press, and a notice of the closure has been submitted to the Secretary of State. (This notice is effective on 10/5/99)
9/29/99
PART VII
7.7.2-2 - the commercial possession of SUMMER FLOUNDER [FLUKE] is PROHIBITED for the remainder of the Summer II Sub-Period [through 10/31/99]. The 11/1/99 opening of the Winter Sub-Period is scheduled to begin with a maximum legal possession limit of 300 pounds. (This regulation becomes effective 9/30/99 at 12:01 AM)
9/13/99
PART VII
7.7.2-2 - this action reduces the maximum legal commercial possession of SUMMER FLOUNDER [FLUKE] to 100 pounds [from 300] until further notice. (This regulation becomes effective 9/16/99 at 12:01 AM)

7.11.2-1 - this action reduces the maximum legal commercial possession of SCUP to 4,000 lbs. [from 8,000] when the Winter Period II opens on 11/1/99. (This regulation becomes effective 9/16/99 at 12:01 AM)
9/9/99
PART VII
7.11.2-2 - this action closes the commercial fishery for SCUP for the remainder of the Summer-Fall Sub-Period. The fishery will re-open for the Winter Sub-Period II on 11/1/99. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 9/10/99) [NOTE: floating fish trap companies are on a separate quota and are not affected by this closure]
8/31/99
PART XV
15.11 - this action delays the scheduled 9/1/99 increase in the legal minimum size for lobsters until 6/1/2000. On 6/1/2000 the legal minimum gauge size will increase from 3-1/4" to 3-9/32". This action further delays the previously scheduled 6/1/2000 - 3-15/16" increase until further notice. (This regulation becomes effective immediately upon filing)
8/23/99
PART VII
7.11.2-2 - this action allows overages in fish trap scup quota to be made available for all gear types (This regulation becomes effective 9/12/99)

PART XVI
Sections 16.1-1 - 16.5 - this action changes the menhaden season for purse seiners; it closes certain areas to ALL purse seiners; closes certain areas on Sundays and Holidays (This regulation becomes effective 9/12/99)
8/4/99
PART VII
Section 7.7.2-2 - reduces the maximum legal possession of summer flounder (fluke) to 0 pounds/NO POSSESSION [from 50 lbs.] (Effective 8/5/99 12:01 AM)
NOTE: the possession of 300 pounds beginning 9/1/99 still stands at this time
PART XI
Section 11.19 and 11.19.3 - 7 - this action REVERSES the filing of 7/15/99 that reduced the area within the Coastal Marine Life Management Area (CMLMA) where winter flounder fishing is permitted. (Effective upon filing)
PART XII
Section 12.5 - The fish trap fishery, having exceeded the quota for striped bass, is closed to harvesting striped bass until 1/1/2000. [formerly scheduled to open 9/1/99 for remainder of quota). (Effective 20 days from filing)
7/21/99
PART XII
Section 12.5 - The striped bass quota allocated to floating fish trap fishery has been harvested for this period. This action closes the fish trap fishery for striped bass. The fishery re-opens 9/1/99. (Effective immediately upon filing.
PART XV
Section 15.11 - In compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC)lobster management plan, this action establishes a schedule for increases in the legal minimum possession size for lobsters. 9/1/99 - increase to 3 9/32" ; 6/1/2000 - increase to 3 15/16". (Effective 20 days from filing, 8/10/99.)
6/15/99
PART VII
Section 7.7.2-2 - reduces the maximum legal possession of summer flounder (fluke) to 50 pounds [from 100], and provides for the opening of the previously established Fall Sub Period with a maximum legal possession of 300 pounds on 9/1/99. (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM 7/16/99.)

Section 7.11.2-2 - based on remaining fish trap quota, this action reopens the scup fishery to floating fish traps with a possession limit of 100 pounds until further notice. (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM 7/16/99.)

PART XI
Section 11.19 - this action reduces the area where winter flounder fishing is permitted within the Coastal Marine Life Management Area (CMLMA) (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM 8/4/99.)

Section 11.19.3, .4, .5, .6, & .7 - this action closes the upper portion of the CMLMA in Narragansett Bay to fishing for winter flounder. The portion of the CMLMA that remains open to winter flounder fishing is still subject to the 300-pound possession limit (100 lbs. in the ponds), seasons, and the reporting requirement. (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM 8/4/99.)

PART XII
Section 12.3 - strikes the words 'rod and reel' so that fishing by rod and reel is not the only fishing method affected by the possession limits established in this section. (This regulation becomes effective at 12:01 AM 8/4/99.)
6/9/99
PART VII
Section 7.9.2 - having met the 1999 annual quota, this action closes the commercial tautog fishery until further notice. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 6/11/99.)
5/25/99
PART VII
Section 7.7.2-2 - reduces the legal maximum commercial possession of fluke to no possession, [from 300 lbs.]. (The 6/1/99 possession of 100 lbs. still holds) (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/26/99.)

Section 7.11.2-2 - closes the scup fishery to floating fish traps until the year 2000. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/28/99.)
5/12/99
PART VII
Section 7.7.2-2 - reduces the legal maximum commercial possession of fluke to 300 lb. Additionally, on June 1, 1999 the possession limit will be further reduced to 100 lb. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/13/99.)

Section 7.11.2-2 - a 60% projected harvest of the seasonal quota has triggered the predetermined reduction in the possession limit for scup for those harvesting with floating fish traps to 10,000 lb.
5/7/99
PART X
Section 10.5 - increases the escape vent size for lobster traps by 1/16 of an inch. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 6/1/99.)

PART XV
Section 15.13 - increases the escape vent size for lobster traps by 1/16 of an inch. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 6/1/99.)
4/30/99
PART VII
Section 7.11.2-2 - reduces the legal maximum commercial possession of scup to 2500 lb. [from 5000 lb.] Additionally, in the description of the distribution of quota for scup, poundage was changed to percentages. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/1/99.)

Section 7.11.2-3 - the varying range in pounds of possession of scup is now 0 - 10,000 lb. [from 200 - 10,000 lbs]. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/1/99.)

Section 7.14.1 - the existing possession distribution for black sea bass was renewed for 1999. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/20/99.)
4/23/99
PART IV
Section 4.25 - closes boat harvesting; permits shoredigging sunrise-sunset daily. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/13/99.)

PART VII
Section 7.7-1 - Summer flounder Sub-periods - data changes and quota distribution. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/13/99.)

Section 7.7.4 - Summer flounder Recreational Regulations - set annual season [May 29 - September 11]. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/13/99.)

Section 7.9 - Tautog - set annual commercial season [May 15 - quota]. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/13/99.) Section 7.9.2 - set commercial tautog quota. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/13/99.)

PART XII

Section 12.3 - Striped Bass Size/Possession Limits in the Commercial Striped Bass Fisheries - insert the words rod and reel into last sentence. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 5/13/99.)
3/25/99
PART VII
Section 7.7.2-2 - reduces the legal maximum commercial possession of fluke to 400 lb. [from 1000 lb.] (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 3/26/99. Last off-load 8 PM 3/25/99)
2/22/99
PART III
Section 3.6.21 - better defines the lines of the Potowomut Management Area. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 3/14/99.) PART IV
Section 4.8 - adds the Potowomut Management Area to that section. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 3/14/99.)
12/28/98 PART VII
Section 7.7.2 - the trip limit for summer flounder will be 1000 lb. (This regulation becomes effective 12:01 AM 1/1/99.)

For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer
rev. 11/6/09