2023 Commercial Striped Bass Tag Distribution Changes
Please be advised that the RIDEM Division of Marine Fisheries will be making several changes to how commercial striped bass tags are distributed for 2023.
These program changes are the result of delinquent dealer reporting of commercial striped bass landings in 2022 causing sub-period and annual quota allocation overages. The changes being implemented are as follows:
- Dealers will be limited in the number of striped bass tags they receive. The number of tags distributed will be based on 2022 dealer specific performance regarding tag reports submitted, unused tags returned, and SAFIS dealer reporting compliance.
- General Category Striped Bass Dealers will receive no less than 20 tags and no more than a maximum of 200 tags at a time.
- Floating Fish Trap Striped Bass Dealers will receive no less than 200 tags and no more than a maximum of 1000 tags at a time.
- Dealers will only be issued additional tags when they have submitted tag reports on previously issued tags and are up to date with SAFIS dealer reporting.
As a reminder, all RI dealers who received commercial striped bass tags in 2022, general category and/or fish trap, were required to return all unused tags and all tag reports to DEM no later than January 1st, 2023.
The 2022 RI commercial striped bass tags may be returned in person or by mail to one of the following Department of Environmental Management offices:
Division of Marine Fisheries
3 Fort Wetherill Road
Jamestown, RI 02835
Division of Coastal Resources
301 Great Island Road
Narragansett, RI 02882
Tagging reports may be submitted directly at Marine Fisheries or Coastal Resources, or via email, mail, or fax (f: 401-423-1925). Anyone with questions should contact Thomas Rosa at 401-423-1923 or Thomas.Rosa@dem.ri.gov
Thank you.
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