New Regulations Increase Season Length, Possession Limit
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management (DEM) has extended the season and increased the fall possession
limit for the 2018 recreational black sea bass fishery.
The new rules add nine days to the beginning of the season and
ends the fall closure that was in place in 2017, giving an additional 31 days
that were closed last year. The season is now open from June 24 through
December 31.
During the first sub-period, June 24 to August 31, the possession limit remains at three fish per person, per day. The possession limit for the second sub-period, from September 1 through December 31, has increased to seven fish per person, per day. The minimum size for the entire season remains at 15 inches.
During the first sub-period, June 24 to August 31, the possession limit remains at three fish per person, per day. The possession limit for the second sub-period, from September 1 through December 31, has increased to seven fish per person, per day. The minimum size for the entire season remains at 15 inches.
The changes reflect the robust status of the black sea bass
stock in the Northern Region of the Atlantic Ocean. On May 3, the Atlantic
States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) approved revised measures for the
2018 recreational black sea bass fishery in response to an appeal brought by
Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York to secure additional
access to this abundant resource.
The states argued that ASMFC's action under Addendum XXX of the Interstate Management Plan for black sea bass, adopted in February, incorrectly applied technical data and was inconsistent with the Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.
With ASMFC's OK, Rhode Island and neighboring states in the Northern Region are liberalizing regulations for the recreational black sea bass fishery from what was originally proposed by the Addendum.
Black sea bass is an important sportfish in Rhode Island; as its population has grown in local waters, so too has its popularity as a recreational fishery.
The states argued that ASMFC's action under Addendum XXX of the Interstate Management Plan for black sea bass, adopted in February, incorrectly applied technical data and was inconsistent with the Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.
With ASMFC's OK, Rhode Island and neighboring states in the Northern Region are liberalizing regulations for the recreational black sea bass fishery from what was originally proposed by the Addendum.
Black sea bass is an important sportfish in Rhode Island; as its population has grown in local waters, so too has its popularity as a recreational fishery.
Rhode Island is well known for its spectacular recreational
opportunities. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor
recreation in Rhode Island generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and
supports 24,000 jobs.
As part of a larger recreational invitation, local fishing plays an important role in connecting people with nature, promoting health, attracting tourism, and supporting a treasured tradition for Rhode Island families.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island. And recreational fishing contributes more than $130 million to the economy each year.
As part of a larger recreational invitation, local fishing plays an important role in connecting people with nature, promoting health, attracting tourism, and supporting a treasured tradition for Rhode Island families.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island. And recreational fishing contributes more than $130 million to the economy each year.
For more information about DEM programs and initiatives, visit
www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or
via Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM).
Related
links
