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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: January 5, 2009
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

DEM ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSING REGULATIONS
16 New Quahog and Restricted Finfish Endorsements Available for 2009

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces several regulatory changes to the commercial fishing licensing program. The changes apply to new and renewed licenses for 2009. The regulatory changes took effect on December 28 following an October public hearing and consideration by the RI Marine Fisheries Council.

A total of 13 new quahog and three new restricted finfish endorsements on commercial fishing licenses will be available for 2009. The new quahog endorsements will allow for the commercial harvest of quahogs. The new restricted finfish endorsements will allow for the commercial harvest of any of the six species of restricted finfish: summer flounder, scup, striped bass, black sea bass, tautog, and winter flounder. Applications for the new endorsements must be filed with DEM by March 2, 2009. The applications will be screened, and the new endorsements awarded, on the basis of the priority selection process set forth in the regulations.

Several technical amendments to the licensing regulations were also enacted. The changes are all described in a detailed decision memo issued by DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan, PhD.

The amended licensing regulations are available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Marine Fisheries" under "Topics". The above-noted decision memo is also available on the Marine Fisheries page under "Director's Decision Documents" and "October 23, 2008". Guidance documents for new license applicants can be found at: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bpoladm/manserv/hfb/boating/commfish.htm.

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

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