RI institutes new commercial fishing rules

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island has some new changes for the commercial fishing licensing program.

The Department of Environmental Management announced a total of 13 new quahog and three new restricted finfish endorsements on commercial fishing licenses will be available, which came about following an October public hearing.

The finfish endorsements allow for commercial harvest of six species of restricted finfish, including summer flounder, scup, and striped bass.

Applications must be filed with DEM by March 2, 2009. They will be screened and then awarded based on the selection process outlines in the new regulations.

Questions from fishermen may be directed to DEM’s Office of Boat Registration and Licensing at 222-6647