250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-4.9

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-90-00-4.9 - Soft-shell Clam

4.9.1Minimum size

A. Two inches (2") measured as the shell diameter or parallel to the long axis of the clam.

4.9.2Season

A. The seasons and areas for the taking and possession of bay quahog as specified in § 4.7.2 of this Part shall apply to soft-shell clams.

4.9.3Area restrictions

A. Providence/Seekonk Rivers Shellfish Management Area: The taking, harvest or possession of soft-shell clams is prohibited.

4.9.4Possession 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: Twelve (12) 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: Twelve (12) bushels per person per day, except for the following:

a. Conimicut Shellfish Management Area: Three (3) bushels per person per day.

b. 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.

4.9.5Control date

A. A control date of December 31, 2007 is established for the commercial soft-shell clam fishery in Rhode Island.

4.9.6Equipment restrictions

A. No person shall dig and/or take any soft-shell clams from the waters of this State by dredge(s), rakes, or other apparatus operated by mechanical power or hauled by power boats, unless otherwise provided for in these Regulations.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-4.9

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