COMMERCIAL TAUTOG TAGGING PROGRAM
Reminder as of May 1, 2020 all commercial tautog must be tagged by the fisherman prior to offloading.
To receive additional tags, the Tautog reporting form must be filled out completely and correctly with all tags accounted for and returned with a new order form.
Summary of tagging program:
- Tags will be available to all commercial fishermen eligible to participate in the commercial tautog fishery.
- Each tautog must be tagged on the left opercula bone with the tag number visible.
- All tautog must be tagged onboard the vessel prior to offloading from the vessel.
- Tags are single use and assigned to individual fishermen. Tags cannot be transferred between individuals or fish.
- Tags are issued on an annual basis. All unused tags must be returned to the Department at the end of the year with the required tag reports. Failure to return tags or provide reports may result in an inability to acquire tags for the next fishing year.
- Tautog must remain tagged until they reach the final consumer. Processed or fileted tautog shall be packed with the tag and available for inspection, with tags retained until all process or fileted tautog are sold.
For full regulations see RIMFR Part 3 – Finfish section 3.11.2(C) “Commercial Tautog Tagging”.
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For Fishermen:
All tautog must be tagged on the left opercula bone prior to offloading. Required tag reports must be returned to DEM before February 15, 2021 along with any unused tags.
Tags order forms (http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/marine/pdf/tautogtag.pdf) should be sent to:
Division of Coastal Resources
301 Great Island Road
Narragansett, RI 02882
Tags will be administered via mail at this time. There is no fee for the tags. Applicators will be available for purchase for $25 by check, or money order until supplies run out. Applicators are also available for purchase through National Band and Tag Co. (nationalband.com search for Style 681S-MOD Tautog Tag Applicator).
Order forms, reporting forms, and instructions can be found here http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/marine-fisheries/forms-permits.php
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For Dealers:
Dealers may not purchase and/or offer for sale any tautog unless attached with a tautog tag pursuant to the regulations. All tautog must remain tagged until they reach the final consumer. Processed or fileted tautog for shipment must be packed with the tag available for inspection.
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For questions on obtaining tags or purchasing applicators please contact the Coastal Resources office at 401-783-5551.
For questions on the tagging program please contact Coly Ares at the Division of Marine Fisheries at Nichole.ares@dem.ri.gov.
Thank you.
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