250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-4.13

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-90-00-4.13 - Surf Clams

4.13.1Minimum size

A. Five inches (5") measured parallel to the long axis of the clam.

4.13.2Season

A. The seasons and areas closed to the taking and possession of bay quahog as specified in § 4.7.2 of this Part shall apply to surf clams.

4.13.3Possession Limit

A. Waters other than Shellfish Management Areas

1. Recreational - Rhode Island resident: One half (1/2) bushel per person per day.

2. Recreational - Licensed non-resident: One (1) peck per person per day.

3. Commercial: Two hundred (200) bushels per person per day.

B. Shellfish Management Areas

1. Recreational - Rhode Island resident: One (1) peck per person per day.

2. Recreational - Licensed non-resident: One half (1/2) peck per person per day.

3. Commercial:

a. Sakonnet River Shellfish Management Area: Two hundred (200) bushels per vessel per day.

b. Shellfish Management Areas other than the Sakonnet River Shellfish Management Area: Three (3) bushels per person per day.

4. A maximum of two (2) commercial possession limits per vessel per day is authorized in Shellfish Management Areas when two (2) licensed persons are on board the vessel.

4.13.4Gear restrictions

A. Hydraulic dredging: The maximum width of a dredge blade, knife or manifold is forty-eight inches (48").

B. Multiple dredge restriction: It is unlawful for any vessel to operate more than one (1) dredge while harvesting for surf clams.

C. The use of surf clam dredges is prohibited in areas closed to the harvest of bay quahog pursuant to § 4.7.2 of this Part.

4.13.5Areas prohibited for the dredging of surf clams

A. All waters of the Sakonnet River north of a line extending from Church Point in the town of Little Compton, to Flint Point in the town of Middletown.

B. All waters of Narragansett Bay north of a line extending from Castle Hill Point in the city of Newport to Southwest Point in the town of Jamestown to Bonnet Point in the town of Narragansett.

4.13.6Tagging of cages

A. Shellfish cages must be tagged in accordance with the United States Food and Drug Administration/RIDOH Regulations before being off-loaded in Rhode Island.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-4.13

Amended effective 12/27/2018
Amended effective 11/13/2019
Amended effective 1/23/2020
Amended effective 7/6/2020
Amended effective 12/7/2020
Amended effective 5/25/2021
Amended Effective 11/9/2021
Amended effective 5/22/2022
Amended effective 7/3/2022
Amended effective 11/7/2022
Amended effective 5/1/2023
Amended effective 10/22/2023
Amended effective 12/4/2023
Amended effective 1/8/2024
Amended effective 4/4/2024
Amended effective 7/20/2024
Amended effective 11/19/2024