Section 250-RICR-90-00-3.14 - Atlantic Herring3.14.1CommercialA. Minimum size: No minimum size.B. Season: January 1 through December 31.C. Possession limit: Unlimited.D. River herring bycatch allowance: Vessels possessing a Federal atlantic herring permit fishing in Federal waters may transit Rhode Island State waters and make a landing in possession of alewives or blueback herring provided that the count of the combined river herring is five percent (5%) or less than the count of atlantic herring onboard the vessel.1. The percentage of river herring in the catch will be assessed by sorting and counting a batch of fish taken from the catch of atlantic herring on board the vessel or being landed by the vessel. This determination as to the percentage of river herring in the catch shall be accomplished by filling a container as defined herein, with a portion of the catch and examining the contents of said container. The percentage of river herring in said container shall be deemed to be representative of the percentage of river herring in the catch as a whole for purposes of a determination as to whether a vessel is in compliance with the requirements of this Section.2. A batch of fish is defined as all fish in a separate container.3. A container is defined as any box, tote, bag, bucket or other receptacle capable of retaining at least twenty-five (25) gallons of loose fish which may be separated from the total catch of atlantic herring being landed.E. Atlantic herring processing: No person may process atlantic herring for purposes other than human consumption. Direct mealing of atlantic herring is prohibited.F. Vessel restrictions: No vessel harvesting atlantic herring in the atlantic coast herring fishery shall exceed one hundred sixty-five feet (165') in length overall, and three thousand (3,000) horsepower.250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-3.14
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