Skip to main content
Rhode Island

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater Fishing

Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP)

A New Way to Get Involved in the Recreational Fishery!

Rhode Island’s Catch Card Pilot Program

Your catch tells a story—make sure it’s counted! The Rhode Island Division of Marine Fisheries is launching the Catch Card Pilot Program (May–October 2025) to collect valuable data on fish caught and released by recreational anglers. This voluntary program will help improve fisheries management by providing a clearer picture of catch-and-release trends.

How It Works

Participating anglers will receive a catch card, pencil, and tape measure to record key details, including:

  • Trip Information – Fishing method (shore or private boat), targeted species, fishing depth, distance from shore, trip duration.
  • Released Catch – Species of released fish, with priority species measured to the nearest ¼ inch.

Submitting Your Catch Card

Anglers can submit completed cards by:

  • Mail (pre-paid postage included)
  • In-Person (returning to an APAIS interviewer on-site)
  • Email (photo submission)

Why It Matters

By participating, anglers contribute as citizen scientists, helping to refine stock assessments, improve regulations, and ensure sustainable fisheries. The data collected will provide a more complete understanding of Rhode Island’s fisheries, supporting conservation strategies and fair management decisions.

Join us in shaping the future of recreational fishing! For more information, contact Michael Bucko at (401) 783-2304.

Bar chart titled “What’s biting in Rhode Island?” showing 2024 recreational catch estimates. Scup and black sea bass were the most commonly caught fish, followed by tautog, summer flounder, striped bass, and bluefish.
Scup and black sea bass topped the list of fish caught by Rhode Island recreational anglers in 2024, according to NOAA Fisheries preliminary estimates.
NOAA Fisheries and Rhode Island DEM poster encouraging anglers to share recreational fishing data. It highlights how data supports fishery management and introduces local field interviewers with photos and titles.
NOAA Fisheries and Rhode Island Division of Marine Fisheries encourage recreational anglers to share their catch data to support sustainable fishery management. Meet the dedicated field interviewers collecting this important information across Rhode Island.