Equipment Regulations

Escape Vents (Lobster, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Pots)

Diving Baskets

Spacing Requirements for Tongs and Bullrakes

Bay Scallop Regulations:

Bay Scallops may only be harvested using dip nets from the second Saturday of November until sunrise the first day of December. Other appropriate methods, such as snorkeling, diving, or dredges, may be used from December 1st until December 31st. For additional information and restrictions, please visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/regs/fishwild/rimf_shell.pdf.

Scuba

Shellfishing using SCUBA gear is prohibited in Ninigret Pond, Green Hill Pond, Quonochontaug Pond, and Potter Pond.

Gill Nets, Otter Trawling, Seines, Etc.

Please contact RIDFW to request area specific regulations.

Beach Seines, Recreational Bait Nets

Marine species may lawfully be taken for personal use provided that all existing minimum size and possession limit restrictions for the species possessed are adhered to. Also, a limit of 2 quarts per person is allowed for all unregulated marine species. Nets being used cannot exceed four (4) feet in depth and 20 feet in length.

Marking of Traps

The owner of every trap, pot, or other stationary contrivance used for the taking of marine fish, shellfish, crustaceans, or other invertebrates being fished in the waters of this state, and the owner of any trap or pot for catching, or cars or other contrivance for keeping lobsters shall mark each such trap, pot, or contrivance, together with the buoy which is attached thereto, with the name or names of the owners thereof or the person or persons using the same, and the license number or numbers of such person or persons. Each such lobster or crab pot buoy shall display that person’s stated color scheme, and this color scheme shall also be displayed on the boat used by that person in tending that gear. The use of floating line within eight feet of the surface is prohibited.