reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-5 - Fish Traps › Section 20-5-15. - Seizure of abandoned or unlawful traps — Destruction or sale.

§ 20-5-15. Seizure of abandoned or unlawful traps — Destruction or sale.
The department may take possession of any abandoned fish trap and appurtenances; or any fish trap and appurtenances placed in a location for which no permit has been obtained; or any fish trap and appurtenances for which a permit location has been obtained but that the owner of the fish trap and appurtenances may willfully maintain in a wrong position or location; and may destroy the fish trap and appurtenances, or may dispose of them at public auction to the highest bidder, first giving notice of the time and place of sale by publishing the notice at least three (3) times a week for two (2) successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation with power to adjourn the sale from time to time, giving like notice of the adjournment; and make and execute to the purchaser at the sale a good and sufficient conveyance of all right, title, and interest in and to the fish trap and appurtenances; and to receive the proceeds of the sale and pay the proceeds into the treasury of the state; and the state controller shall draw orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of all expenses of taking possession and disposing of a fish trap and any appurtenances, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers, approved by the director of environmental management, and the general treasurer shall pay the orders out of moneys appropriated for that purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2004, ch. 8, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 16, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-5 - Fish Traps › Section 20-5-16. - Rules and regulations.

§ 20-5-16. Rules and regulations.
The director of environmental management, with the concurrence of the marine fisheries council, may adopt and amend any rules and regulations in reference to fish traps, permitted under this chapter, that may appear to him or her necessary for the public safety and for the proper execution of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2004, ch. 8, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 16, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-5 - Fish Traps › Section 20-5-17. - Judicial enforcement of chapter and orders.

§ 20-5-17. Judicial enforcement of chapter and orders.
The superior court, upon the application of the director of environmental management, shall have jurisdiction in equity to enjoin the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter and to enforce the orders of the director provided for in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-5 - Fish Traps › Section 20-5-18. - Willful injury to traps.

§ 20-5-18. Willful injury to traps.
Any person who willfully or maliciously cuts, removes, displaces, tampers with, or in any way damages any trap, leader, or pound set by virtue of the permit provided for by this chapter shall be imprisoned not exceeding two (2) years, or fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2004, ch. 8, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 16, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-5 - Fish Traps › Section 20-5-19. - Penalty for violations generally — Prosecution.

§ 20-5-19. Penalty for violations generally — Prosecution.
Every person or corporation willfully violating any of the provisions of this chapter, or any rule or regulation adopted under the authority of this chapter, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), nor less than one hundred dollars ($100), or imprisoned (in the case of a natural person) not exceeding one year, or by both punishments, in the discretion of the court. Proper proceedings for violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be instituted by the attorney general.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-5 - Fish Traps › Section 20-5-20. - Appropriations and disbursements.

§ 20-5-20. Appropriations and disbursements.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sums it may deem sufficient to be expended by the department of environmental management under the provisions of this chapter; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer for those sums that may, from time to time, be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-5 - Fish Traps › Section 20-5-21. - Fish traps near Conanicut Island unlawful.

§ 20-5-21. Fish traps near Conanicut Island unlawful.
It shall be unlawful to place any fish trap, as defined in this chapter, in the public waters of this state within one mile of the shore of the Island of Conanicut and no permit for this purpose shall be granted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2004, ch. 8, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 16, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-5 - Fish Traps › Section 20-5-22. - Severability.

§ 20-5-22. Severability.
Each section of this chapter, and each part of each section, is hereby declared to be an independent section; and the holding of any section or sections in part or parts of sections to be void, ineffective, or unconstitutional for any cause, shall not be deemed to affect any other section or part thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-1. - Taking of shellfish without a license.

§ 20-6-1. Taking of shellfish without a license.
Unless otherwise specified in regulations, any resident of this state may, without a license, take in any one day during the open season, if applicable, not more than one half (½) bushel each of quahaugs, soft-shell clams, sea clams, oysters, and mussels, and not more than one bushel of scallops; provided, that those quahaugs, soft-shell clams, sea clams, oysters, mussels, or scallops shall not be sold or offered for sale.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 5, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 5, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-2. - Oysters — Open season.

§ 20-6-2. Oysters — Open season.
Unless otherwise specified in regulations, the open season for taking oysters from the free and common oyster fisheries in any of the waters of this state shall be between the fifteenth day of September and the fifteenth day of May. Any person taking any oysters or exposing any oysters for sale taken from the free and common fisheries in state waters in violation of the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be fined no less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) and costs for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 5, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 5, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-3. - Scallops — Open season.

§ 20-6-3. Scallops — Open season.
Unless otherwise specified in regulations, the open season for taking scallops from the free and common scallop fisheries in any of the waters of the state shall be between sunrise of the first day of October and sunset on the last day of December of every year. Any person taking scallops in violation of this section shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 47, § 9; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 5, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 5, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-4. - Registration of boats and display of numbers.

§ 20-6-4. Registration of boats and display of numbers.
No boat shall be used in the taking of quahaugs by dredge or the commercial taking of scallops unless that boat has been registered with the director of environmental management. Each registered boat shall be issued a certificate of registration and assigned a number, and this number shall be displayed on a flat surface in a conspicuous place upon the port side while the boat is engaged in taking quahaugs or scallops.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-5. - Registered boat operated only by licensee.

§ 20-6-5. Registered boat operated only by licensee.
Each boat registered pursuant to § 20-6-4 shall be operated only by the person to whom that boat was registered; provided that person is duly licensed for the activity engaged in. Each registered boat used shall be limited, no matter how many persons are on board, to the catch limit established for one licensee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-6. - Registration of boat used in taking of molluscan shellfish.

§ 20-6-6. Registration of boat used in taking of molluscan shellfish.
Each boat used in the commercial taking of oysters, soft-shell clams, surf clams, mussels, or quahaugs, other than by dredging, shall be registered with the director of environmental management. Upon registration, and the payment of a fee of two dollars ($2.00), the boat shall be issued a registration number to be displayed on the boat while engaged in shellfishing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-7. - Use of dredges.

§ 20-6-7. Use of dredges.
Except as hereinafter provided and unless otherwise specified by regulation, no person shall take any oysters, bay quahaugs, or soft-shell clams from the waters of this state by dredges, rakes, or other apparatus operated by mechanical power or hauled by power boats. No licensed person shall cast, haul, or have overboard any dredges while fishing for oysters, bay quahaugs, or soft-shell clams from the free and common fisheries of this state, nor shall any licensed boat be used for fishing oysters, soft-shell clams, or bay quahaugs with dredges, except as provided in this section; provided, that any person having a license issued under this title for the taking of scallops may use a dredge or dredges, not exceeding six (6) in number nor exceeding twenty-eight inches (28″) each in width, for that purpose; provided further, that the licensee shall immediately return all oysters, soft-shell clams, or bay quahaugs caught by the licensee to the waters from which they were taken. Any licensed boat may be used in dredging for mussels by the licensee of that boat, the licensee having first obtained a permit from the director of environmental management allowing the licensee so to do; provided, the licensee, while dredging for mussels under the permit granted the licensee by the director, shall immediately return all oysters, scallops, or bay quahaugs caught by the licensee to the waters from which they were taken. The fact of any licensed person being found with oysters, scallops, or bay quahaugs in their possession while dredging for mussels shall be prima facie evidence that person was fishing in violation of the provisions of this chapter and shall be subject to the penalties and fines imposed by this chapter. Any resident dredging for surf clams or skimmers shall not be in violation of this section if that dredging is done southerly of the coastline of Little Compton, southerly of a line extending from Church point, in the town of Little Compton, to Flint point on Aquidneck Island, southerly of the coastline of Aquidneck Island, southerly of a line extending from Castle Hill point on Aquidneck Island, to southwest point of Conanicut Island to Bonnet point, Narragansett, easterly of the coastline of the town of Narragansett, southerly of the coastline of the towns of Narragansett, South Kingstown, and Charlestown, and westerly to the Connecticut line. For the purpose of this section, “coastline” refers to the land facing the open sea.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 5, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 5, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-8. - Opening areas for quahaug dredging.

§ 20-6-8. Opening areas for quahaug dredging.
Pursuant to good conservation practices, the director shall be authorized to open areas of the public waters of the state for taking quahaugs under license by a registered boat, by dredges, rakes, or other apparatus operated by mechanical power or hauled by power boats, and shall be authorized to close those areas at any time there is a danger of depletion of quahaugs or when flagrant violations of this chapter occur.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 5, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 5, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-9. - Penalty for exceeding allowance without license.

§ 20-6-9. Penalty for exceeding allowance without license.
Every person taking in any one day more than one half (½) bushel each of oysters, bay quahaugs, soft-shell clams, sea clams, or mussels from the free and common fisheries of this state, without a license, shall be fined, upon conviction, not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) and costs for each one half (½) bushel or fraction thereof above the stated limits or be imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-10. - Allowance of shellfish taking under license.

§ 20-6-10. Allowance of shellfish taking under license.
(a)
Unless otherwise specified by regulation, a holder of a commercial shellfishing license may take and/or possess, in any one day, up to twelve (12) bushels of quahaugs, twelve (12) bushels of soft-shell clams, and three (3) bushels of oysters.
(b)
A holder of a nonresident shellfishing license may take in any one day not more than one peck each of oysters, quahaugs, soft-shell clams, surf clams, or mussels. Any person taking more than these allowances in any one day shall be fined upon conviction one hundred dollars ($100) for each bushel or part of a bushel exceeding the prescribed quantity or be imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1987, ch. 254, § 3; P.L. 2017, ch. 451, § 27; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 5, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 5, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-11. - Minimum size of shellfish — Penalty.

§ 20-6-11. Minimum size of shellfish — Penalty.
(a)
No person shall take and/or possess any quahogs less than one inch (1") shell thickness (hinge width). In addition, no person shall take and/or possess soft-shell clams, taken from the free and common soft-shell clam fisheries, of a diameter less than one and one half inches (1½") taking the maximum shell diameter, or any oysters, taken from the free and common oyster fisheries, measuring less than three inches (3") measured parallel to the long axis of the oyster, unless greater minimum sizes are established by the director, in consultation with the marine fisheries council. Any person who takes and/or possesses shellfish of less than the minimum size, as delineated above, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for each and every fifteen (15) shellfish taken. Additionally, any person who takes and/or possesses shellfish of less than the minimum size commingled and/or otherwise stored or contained with shellfish of not less than the minimum size, where the percentage of the less than minimum size shellfish is not less than ten percent (10%) of the total piece count of the commingled and/or otherwise stored or contained package, shipment, or container, shall be subject to seizure and/or forfeiture of the entire commingled and/or otherwise stored or contained package, shipment, or container, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 20-1-8(a)(5) and (a)(6) and 20-1-8.1.
(b)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) above, the director of the department of environmental management is authorized to promulgate regulations establishing a special exemption permit that would exempt department of health-licensed food processing facilities from the one-inch-minimum (1") size restriction governing bay quahogs. The exemption permit may only apply to frozen, packaged, cultured bay quahog products shipped into Rhode Island for redistribution outside of the state. The regulations shall prescribe the procedures to apply for the exemption permit and the standards to be employed by the director in his or her consideration of the application. The regulations shall prescribe rules governing the conduct and operation of the facility and may include restrictions on product forms, sizes, possession requirements, and other provisions in order to maintain the protection of the quahog resource and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1988, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 413, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 47, § 9; P.L. 2004, ch. 430, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 507, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 451, § 27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-12. - Maximum take for dredged quahaugs.

§ 20-6-12. Maximum take for dredged quahaugs.
Any person licensed to take quahaugs by dredge, rake, or other apparatus operated by power or hauled by a power boat may take and possess, between sunrise and sunset of any one day, thirty (30) bushels of quahaugs, unless a different amount is specified by regulation. Any person taking more than the prescribed quantity shall be fined, upon conviction, not more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each bushel exceeding the prescribed quantity or be imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 5, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 5, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-13. - General penalties for violations — Impoundment of boats.

§ 20-6-13. General penalties for violations — Impoundment of boats.
Any person who, without a license, takes quahaugs by dredge, or any person who violates any suspension of the director of environmental management made with respect to quahaug dredging or who violates any provisions of this chapter for which a penalty is not otherwise provided, shall, upon conviction for the first offense, be fined two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and the director may seize, hold, and impound, at the owner’s expense, in one of three (3) commercial shipyards submitting the lowest bid, for a period of not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days, any power boat used in the violation of this section together with its dredges, rakes, and equipment. Any person convicted of a subsequent violation, or violations, of the provisions of this section shall be imprisoned for thirty (30) days and the director of environmental management may seize, hold, and impound, at the owner’s expense, in a commercial shipyard for a period of not less than ninety (90) nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days, any power boat used in the violation of this chapter together with its dredges, rakes, and equipment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-14. - Costs of seizure and impounding.

§ 20-6-14. Costs of seizure and impounding.
Any costs incurred by the seizure and impounding of power boats by authority of § 20-6-13 shall be assessed against the owner, or owners, of those boats, and none of these seized and impounded boats shall be released to any claimant, unless and until, any costs incurred by reason of their seizure and impounding shall have been paid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-15. - Soft-shell clams — Method of taking.

§ 20-6-15. Soft-shell clams — Method of taking.
No person, either as principal, agent, or employee, shall dig or take by any method other than by forks, rakes, hoes, tongs, or any other device operated by hand, from any of the waters of this state, any soft-shell clam. Any violation of the provisions of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than ten ($10.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-16. - Scallops — Commercial allowance.

§ 20-6-16. Scallops — Commercial allowance.
Unless otherwise specified by regulation, a person holding a license for the commercial taking of scallops shall take in any one day not more than ten (10) bushels of scallops, including shells, from the waters of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 5, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 5, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-17. - Taking and possession of seed scallops.

§ 20-6-17. Taking and possession of seed scallops.
Every person taking any seed scallops, and failing to restore them as soon as possible to their natural beds in the water from which taken, shall be fined not less than twenty dollars ($20.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) or be imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both, for each offense. For the purpose of this chapter, a “seed scallop” means a scallop with a bright, thin, slightly curved shell with no foreign adherent, the shell having no well-defined raised annual growth line, and the scallop being less than one year old.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-18. - Sale of scallops during closed season.

§ 20-6-18. Sale of scallops during closed season.
Any person offering for sale any scallops, other than during the open season for taking scallops, shall be fined not less than twenty dollars ($20.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each quart offered for sale, or be imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both; provided, however, it shall be lawful to possess or offer for sale frozen scallops legally taken.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-19. - Number, size, and handling of dredges.

§ 20-6-19. Number, size, and handling of dredges.
Unless otherwise specified by regulation, no person engaged in the taking of scallops shall use more than six (6) single dredges, the blades of which shall not be more than twenty-eight inches (28″) in width, and the bag used shall not be more than thirty-six inches (36″) in length. Every single dredge shall be towed and hauled aboard the registered boat individually.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 5, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 5, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-20. - Towing of dredge during closed season.

§ 20-6-20. Towing of dredge during closed season.
Any person who tows a scallop dredge in the waters of the state during the season closed to the taking of scallops shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than twenty dollars ($20.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) or imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both, for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-21. - Opening shellfish on water.

§ 20-6-21. Opening shellfish on water.
No person shall possess the meats of more than six (6) shellfish while shellfishing on the waters of the state or throw the shells of open scallops onto the scallop beds.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1987, ch. 254, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-22. - Transplanting of seed scallops.

§ 20-6-22. Transplanting of seed scallops.
The director of environmental management may conduct any scallop transplant programs as may be appropriate to enhance scallop stock, seed depleted areas, and further the scallop harvest in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-23. - Penalty for taking shellfish at night.

§ 20-6-23. Penalty for taking shellfish at night.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or public law to the contrary, any person who takes any oysters, clams, quahaugs, scallops, or mussels from any of the waters of this state during the hours between sundown and sunrise shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment not exceeding three (3) years, or both; and any boat, dredges, rakes, or other equipment used in this violation shall be forfeited to the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1988, ch. 166, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-24. - [Repealed.]

§ 20-6-24. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1983, ch. 173, § 3; P.L. 1986, ch. 214, § 3; repealed by P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 7, § 7, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-25. - Disposition of moneys received under this chapter.

§ 20-6-25. Disposition of moneys received under this chapter.
All moneys derived from payments received for fishing licenses required under the provisions of this chapter shall be deposited with the general treasurer, and the general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it deems necessary for the protection, cultivation, research, and management of shellfish; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer for payment of any sums that may be necessary, from time to time, upon receipt by the controller of duly authenticated vouchers presented by the director of the department of environmental management; provided, however, nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive the licensing agents of their recording fees.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-26. - Transfer of shellfish from uncertified waters.

§ 20-6-26. Transfer of shellfish from uncertified waters.
The director of environmental management is authorized and directed, after requiring all necessary safeguards, to transfer shellfish from uncertified waters of the state to approved areas. The director may make rules and regulations governing the reharvest of those shellfish to the best economical benefit of the state after all necessary safeguards to insure their cleanliness.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-27. - Dredging, raking, and tonging.

§ 20-6-27. Dredging, raking, and tonging.
Those areas to which the shellfish are transferred shall be marked out and dredging, raking, or tonging on them shall be prohibited except under the special direction of the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1988, ch. 166, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-28. - Cost of transfer of shellfish.

§ 20-6-28. Cost of transfer of shellfish.
For the transfer of shellfish pursuant to § 20-6-26, the director is authorized to hire dredge boats or handrakers and to set the rate of payment. Any transferred shellfish may be sold by the director, and the proceeds of that sale retained under the control of the director for the purpose of assisting in the cost of the transfer of shellfish from uncertified waters to approved areas, from time to time, as the transfer becomes necessary or expedient.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 32; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 42, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 441, § 16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-29. - Penalty for improper taking of transferred shellfish.

§ 20-6-29. Penalty for improper taking of transferred shellfish.
Any person violating rules or regulations promulgated by the director of environmental management as provided for in §§ 20-6-26 — 20-6-28, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-6 - Shellfish › Section 20-6-30. - Shellfishing prohibitions — Use of SCUBA.

§ 20-6-30. Shellfishing prohibitions — Use of SCUBA.
(a)
It is hereby prohibited to take shellfish by the use of a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) from Green Hill Pond, Quonochontaug Pond, Charlestown Pond, and Potters Pond.
(b) Penalty.
Any person convicted of taking shellfish as set forth in subsection (a) shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 412, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-1. - License required for taking of lobsters.

§ 20-7-1. License required for taking of lobsters.
No person, either as principal, agent, or servant, shall, at any time, catch or take any lobster from any of the waters in the jurisdiction of this state, or place, set, keep, maintain, supervise, lift, raise, or draw in or from any of those waters, or cause to be placed, set, kept, maintained, supervised, lifted, raised, or drawn in or from any of those waters, any pot or other contrivance, designed or adapted for the catching or taking of lobsters, unless licensed to do so.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-2. - Taking of lobsters by commercial fishing vessels.

§ 20-7-2. Taking of lobsters by commercial fishing vessels.
No operator of a Rhode Island-registered boat engaged in trawling for finfish in Rhode Island territorial waters may retain and sell any lobsters taken, unless that operator has a commercial lobster license.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-3. - Noncommercial lobster licenses.

§ 20-7-3. Noncommercial lobster licenses.
A holder of a noncommercial lobster license may set, place, or maintain in the water at any one time not more than five (5) lobster pots or traps. A noncommercial lobster licensee shall not offer for sale or sell lobsters.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-4. - Diver’s lobster license.

§ 20-7-4. Diver’s lobster license.
A holder of a diver’s license shall take no more than eight (8) lobsters in any one day. It shall be unlawful for any diver to use a spear, gig, gaff, or other penetrating device to harvest lobsters or, while diving, to set, open, or tend lobster pots. It shall be unlawful for lobsters taken by divers to be sold or offered for sale.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-5. - Seller’s license.

§ 20-7-5. Seller’s license.
Any person having charge of a vessel carrying lobsters who lands in the state of Rhode Island and who is not licensed under any of the provisions of this chapter shall be required to have a seller’s license. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-5.1. - [Repealed.]

§ 20-7-5.1. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 17, § 5; repealed by P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 7, § 8, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-6. - Use of license by agent or employee.

§ 20-7-6. Use of license by agent or employee.
If any person to whom a seller’s or a commercial lobster license is granted becomes incapacitated for any reason from using that license, that person may permit his or her agent or employee, if a citizen or legal resident of the United States, to perform those duties under the license that may be necessary during the period of the licensee’s incapacity; provided that the incapacitated licensee has notified the director of environmental management prior to the transfer of those duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1996, ch. 164, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-7. - Suspension and revocation of licenses.

§ 20-7-7. Suspension and revocation of licenses.
(a)
If a person licensed under this chapter is convicted of any of the following offenses, his or her license shall be suspended for the following periods:
(1)
Possession of ten (10) or more undersize lobsters, but not more than nineteen (19), in violation of § 20-7-10, one month;
(2)
Possession of twenty (20) or more undersize lobsters, in violation of § 20-7-10, one year;
(3)
Possession of mutilated lobsters or lobster meat, in violation of § 20-7-14, one year;
(4)
Possession of one or more brushed female berried lobsters, in violation of § 20-7-10, one year;
(5)
Possession of ten (10) or more egg-bearing female lobsters, in violation of § 20-7-10, one year;
(6)
Unauthorized raising of another’s lobster pots, in violation of § 20-4-8, one year;
(7)
Use or possession of a lobster pot from which the markings or branded numbers have been removed, altered, or obliterated, in violation of § 20-7-12, one year; and
(8)
Failure to file reports of lobsters taken, as required by § 20-7-9, one year.
(b)
Any person whose license is so suspended shall not engage in the lobster fishery of this state during the specified period of suspension. Any person who is convicted of engaging in the lobster fishery during the specified period of suspension shall be fined five thousand dollars ($5,000) or imprisoned for thirty (30) days, or both. The license of any person convicted a second time of any of the offenses set forth in subsection (a) shall be revoked for three (3) years and the person whose license is revoked shall not engage in the lobster fishery of this state in any way while the revocation is in force, under a penalty of sixty (60) days’ imprisonment or a fine of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both, for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1987, ch. 254, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-7.1. - Administrative suspension/revocation of licenses — Penalties — Appeal.

§ 20-7-7.1. Administrative suspension/revocation of licenses — Penalties — Appeal.
(a)
If a person licensed under this chapter is found, pursuant to § 42-17.1-2, to have violated any of the following offenses, his or her license shall be suspended for the following periods:
(1)
Possession of ten (10) or more undersize lobsters, but not more than nineteen (19), in violation of § 20-7-10, one month;
(2)
Possession of twenty (20) or more undersize lobsters, in violation of § 20-7-10, one year;
(3)
Possession of mutilated lobsters or lobster meat, in violation of § 20-7-14, one year;
(4)
Possession of one or more brushed female berried lobsters, in violation of § 20-7-10, one year;
(5)
Possession of ten (10) or more egg-bearing female lobsters, in violation of § 20-7-10, one year;
(6)
Unauthorized raising of another’s lobster pots, in violation of § 20-4-8, one year;
(7)
Use or possession of a lobster pot from which the markings or branded numbers have been removed, altered, or obliterated, in violation of § 20-7-12, one year; and
(8)
Failure to file reports of lobsters taken, as required by § 20-7-9, one year.
(b)
Any person whose license is so suspended shall not engage in the lobster fishery in this state during the specified period of suspension. Any person who is found, pursuant to § 42-17.1-2, to have engaged in the lobster fishery during the specified period of suspension shall pay an administrative penalty of five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(c)
The license of any person found, pursuant to § 42-17.1-2, to have violated any of the offenses set forth in subsection (a) a second time shall be revoked for three (3) years and the person whose license is revoked shall not engage in the lobster fishery of this state in any way while the revocation is in force, and in addition shall pay an administrative penalty of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation.
(d)
In addition to any other sanctions provided by law, any person found, pursuant to § 42-17.1-2, to have violated any of the provisions of this chapter shall pay an administrative penalty of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), for each lobster taken or possessed in violation of the provisions of this chapter.
(e)
Any person aggrieved by a final decision under this section may appeal the decision in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 254, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-8. - Exhibition of certificate.

§ 20-7-8. Exhibition of certificate.
Each person or agent, as defined in § 20-7-1, licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall, upon demand of the director of the department of environmental management or any of the director’s deputies, exhibit the license issued to him or her as provided in § 20-7-1. Every person violating the provisions of this section shall, for each offense, be fined up to fifty dollars ($50.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-9. - Report of lobsters taken.

§ 20-7-9. Report of lobsters taken.
For the purpose of determining whether the number of lobsters caught in the waters of this state are increasing or decreasing during any period, every person licensed pursuant to § 20-2-24 to catch, take, and/or sell lobsters in Rhode Island shall, upon request of the department of environmental management, report catch and effort statistics upon forms furnished by the department. The returns from any person shall not be made public; shall be kept only in the files of the department; and shall be used only for statistical purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-10. - Minimum size of lobsters taken — Egg-bearing females.

§ 20-7-10. Minimum size of lobsters taken — Egg-bearing females.
(a)(1)
Unless otherwise specified by regulations, no person shall catch or take from any of the waters within the jurisdiction of this state, or have in their possession within this state, any lobster, or parts of lobsters, cooked or uncooked, that is less than three and three sixteenths inches (3316″) measured from the rear of the eye socket along a line parallel to the center line of the body shell to the rear end of the carapace.
(2)
The minimum size of three and three sixteenths inches (3316″) shall be increased as follows:
(i)
On January 1, 1988, 132″ from 3316″ to 3732″;
(ii)
On January 1, 1989, 132″ from 3732″ to 314″;
(iii)
On January 1, 1991, 132″ from 314″ to 3932″;
(iv)
On January 1, 1992, 132″ from 3932″ to 3516″.
(b)
No person shall have in their possession within this state any female lobster bearing eggs or from which the eggs have been brushed or removed.
(c)
In addition to any penalties specified in other sections of this chapter, every person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each lobster in violation of this regulation or be imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both. Any person licensed under this chapter catching and taking any lobster as described in subsection (a) or (b), and immediately returning the lobster alive to the water from which it was taken, shall not be subject to these fines or penalties. The possession of any lobster as described in subsection (a) or (b), cooked or uncooked, shall be prima facie evidence that the lobster was caught and taken in violation of this section. Any person convicted a second time of a violation of this section shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) and be deprived of the privilege of fishing for lobsters within the state for three (3) years, after conviction, under a penalty of sixty (60) days’ imprisonment or a fine of five hundred dollars ($500), or both, for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1983, ch. 107, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 305, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 6, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 6, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-11. - Buoying of pots — Escape vents.

§ 20-7-11. Buoying of pots — Escape vents.
(a)
Each and every lobster pot, set, kept, or maintained, or caused to be set, kept, or maintained, in any of the waters in the jurisdiction of this state by any person licensed under this chapter, shall contain an escape vent in accordance with the following specifications:
(1)
A rectangular escape vent with an unobstructed opening not less than 1¾ inches (44.5mm) by 6 inches (152.5mm); or
(2)
Two (2) circular escape vents with an unobstructed opening not less than 2¼ inches (57.2mm) in diameter; or
(3)
An unobstructed gap caused by raising both ends of a bottom lath in the parlor section 1¼ inches (44.5mm) from the bottom; or
(4)
An unobstructed gap caused by separating both ends of two (2) vertical laths on the end of the parlor section by 1¾ inches (44.5mm); or
(5)
An unobstructed gap created by cutting wires in a wire trap in such a manner as to meet the minimum size and number of vents required under subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2).
(b)
The vent or gap shall be installed or made in the parlor section on the sides or end panel. No horizontal rectangular vent or gap or circular vent shall be located more than three inches (3″) from the sill of the trap. Traps equipped with multiple opposing parlor sections must adhere to the escape vent requirements specified in subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2) in each parlor section. Any fisher not complying with the provisions of this section or § 20-7-10 shall be fined in compliance with § 20-3-3 [repealed].
(c)
The director shall have the power to establish larger escape vent sizes by regulation.
(d)
Each lobster pot shall be separately and plainly buoyed; except that in cases where natural conditions render it impracticable to separately buoy each pot, the director of environmental management may, upon application from any person licensed under this chapter, grant permission to otherwise buoy those pots subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the director; and each and every permit so granted shall set forth the name of the person to whom the permit is granted; the number of the permit; the place or places where the lobster pots are to be located; the manner in which lobster pots shall be set; and the period of time during which the permit shall extend.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1988, ch. 305, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 6, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 6, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-12. - Removal of branded numbers from lobster pots.

§ 20-7-12. Removal of branded numbers from lobster pots.
No person shall set, maintain, or have in his or her possession any lobster pots from which the branded numbers have been altered, obliterated, or removed with the intent to defraud or deprive the owner. Every person convicted of violating the provision of this section shall be fined one hundred dollars ($100) for each of these traps or be imprisoned not more than thirty (30) days, or both. All pots used or possessed contrary to the provisions of this section and other sections of this chapter shall be seized by any officer engaged in the enforcement of this chapter and that property shall be forfeited.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-7 - Lobsters and Other Crustaceans › Section 20-7-12.1. - Unauthorized possession and/or transfer of pots and traps.

§ 20-7-12.1. Unauthorized possession and/or transfer of pots and traps.
(a)
No person except the director of environmental management, enforcement officers, and authorized technical personnel of the department of environmental management shall place, set, keep, maintain, sell, transfer, or have in his or her possession, any pot, trap, car, or any other device used in taking or holding lobster or crabs, nor take, remove, or carry away from the beach or shore any pot, trap, car, or other device or line (warp) or buoy without the written permission of the their owner.
(b)
Every person convicted of violating this section shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each offense, or be imprisoned not exceeding one year, or both, and each pot, trap, car, or device used in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense. In addition, if that person is licensed, his or her license shall be revoked for one year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 204, § 2.