250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-3.6

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-90-00-3.6 - Black Sea Bass

3.6.1Recreational

A. General recreational:

1. Minimum size: Sixteen and one half inches (16.5"). Minimum size measurement for black sea bass does not include the tendril located on the caudal (tail) fin.

2. Season and possession limit:

a. January 1 through May 21: Closed.

b. May 22 through August 26: Two (2) fish per person per day.

c. August 27 through December 31: Three (3) fish per person per day.

B. Licensed party and charter vessels:

1. Minimum size: Sixteen inches (16"). Minimum size measurement for black sea bass does not include the tendril located on the caudal (tail) fin.

2. Season and possession limit:

a. January 1 through June 17: Closed.

b. June 18 through August 31: Two (2) fish per person per day.

c. September 1 through December 31: Six (6) fish per person per day.

3.6.2Commercial

A. Minimum size: Eleven inches (11").

B. Season, allocation, and possession limit:

1. January 1 through April 30:

a. Allocation: Eighteen percent (18%) of the quota.

b. Possession limit: Five hundred (500) pounds per person and per vessel per week.

2. May 1 through June 30:

a. Allocation: Thirty percent (30%) of the quota.

b. Possession limit: One-hundred (100) pounds per person and per vessel per day.

3. July 1 through August 15:

a. Allocation: Twenty-two percent (22%) of the quota.

b. Possession limit: Fifty (50) pounds per person and per vessel per day.

4. August 16 through September 15:

a. Allocation: Ten percent (10%) of the quota.

b. Possession limit: Fifty (50) pounds per person and per vessel per day.

5. September 16 through October 15:

a. Allocation: Ten percent (10%) of the quota

b. Possession limit: One hundred (100) pounds per person and per vessel per day

6. October 16 through December 31:

a. Allocation: Ten percent (10%) of the quota.

b. Possession limit: One hundred (100) pounds person and per vessel per day.

C. Minimum mesh size - otter trawl:

1. Owners or operators of otter trawl vessels possessing greater than five hundred (500) pounds of black sea bass from January 1 through March 31; or greater than one hundred (100) pounds of black sea bass from April 1 through December 31, may only use nets that have a minimum mesh size of four and one half inches (4 1/2") diamond mesh (inside measure) applied throughout the codend for at least seventy-five (75) continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the net; or, for trawl nets with codends (including an extension) less than seventy-five (75) meshes, the trawl net must have a minimum mesh size of four and one half inches (4 1/2") diamond mesh throughout.

2. Vessels possessing trawl devices while harvesting black sea bass in excess of the possession limits specified herein may have nets onboard the vessel that have a mesh size less than the minimum size specified in the Regulations provided that the net is stowed and is not available for immediate use.

D. Black sea bass pot construction:

1. All black sea bass pots must be constructed with two (2) escape openings in the parlor portion of the pot. Openings may be circular, rectangular, or square, and must be a minimum of two and one half inches (2 1/2") diameter if circular, one and three eighths inches (1 3/8") by five and three quarters inches (5 3/4") if rectangular, two inches (2") by two inches (2") if square. Escape vents must be attached with biodegradable fasteners which allow vents or panels to fall away from the trap after loss.

2. Ghost panels: The hinges or fasteners of one (1) panel or door must be made of one (1) of the degradable materials listed below. This panel or door must be a minimum of three inches (3") by six inches (6") in dimension.

a. Un-treated hemp, jute, or cotton string three sixteenths of an inch (3/16") or smaller;

b. Magnesium alloy, timed float releases (pop-up devices) or similar magnesium alloy fasteners;

c. Un-galvanized or uncoated iron wire of three thirty seconds of an inch (3/32") or smaller; or

d. If "bungee" cord or other elasticized material is used to fasten the top, it must be secured to the trap with a degradable hog ring.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-3.6

Amended effective 2/28/2019
Amended effective 5/2/2019
Amended effective 6/14/2019
Amended effective 1/1/2020
Amended effective 4/2/2020
Amended effective 7/7/2020
Amended effective 8/20/2020
Amended effective 10/10/2020
Amended effective 1/5/2021
Amended effective 3/30/2021
Amended effective 6/18/2021
Amended effective 1/1/2022
Amended effective 5/1/2022
Amended effective 8/18/2022
Amended effective 1/1/2023
Amended effective 4/30/2023
Amended effective 5/22/2023
Amended effective 9/14/2023
Amended effective 1/8/2024
Amended effective 4/28/2024
Amended effective 7/20/2024