In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Rhode Island, DEM is adopting policies to minimize gatherings and lines. In keeping with this, whelk pot and tautog TAGS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP AT THE DIVISIONS OF MARINE FISHERIES AND COASTAL RESOURCES OFFICES BEGINNING TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18th, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Because some fishermen have not received their tags yet, and the rules requiring these tags begin on April 1st, DEM will temporarily not enforce the following commercial tagging requirements:
WHELK POT TAGS: Rule requires that tags be on all commercial pots deployed beginning April 1, 2020. This requirement is postponed until May 1, 2020.
TAUTOG TAGS: Rule requires that tautog commercially harvested and sold be tagged beginning April 1, 2020. This requirement is postponed until May 1, 2020.
All reporting requirements and other marine fisheries regulations remain in effect.
The staff of DEM’s Division of Marine Fisheries and Coastal Resources office are still working and remain committed to serving customer needs. At present, information and customer services are being provided by phone, mail, or email. Additionally, we are working on a method to issue the tags via mail. Further guidance will be sent on this in a subsequent listserve message. It is strongly recommended that you call or email the office with any questions. Notification will be provided via listserve as more information becomes available on the resumption of our normal services.
Division of Marine Fisheries
(401) 423-1923
Division of Coastal Resources
(401) 783-5551
DEM.MarineFisheries@dem.ri.gov
Thank you for your cooperation and patience. We will continue to update you via this listserve on any changes.
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