[Rimarinefisheries] Marine Fisheries Workshop and Public Hearing

Fri Feb 19 14:28:55 EST 2016

Hello,

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 42-17.1 and 20-3 of the General Laws of Rhode Island as amended, and in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act Chapter 42-35 of the General Laws, the Director of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) proposes amendments to the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Regulations (RIMFR) and gives notice of intent to hold a workshop and public hearing to afford interested parties the opportunity for public comment.

The following regulatory items will be presented for public comment:

1.    Proposed amendments to RIMFR Part XVI - Menhaden regarding:

a.    General editing for improved clarity and readability;
b.    Commercial Menhaden;
c.    Recreational Menhaden.

2.    Proposed amendments to RIMFR Part 5 - Lobsters. Crabs, and Other Crustaceans regarding:

a.    Management of the Horseshoe crab fishery.
b.    Management of the Cancer Crab fishery;

3.    Proposed amendments regarding commercial gillnet regulations (Note: regulations currently contained in RIMFR Part XIII - Gill Net Regulations which are to be re-located to newly adopted regulation RIMFR Part 6 - General Equipment Provisions in accordance with hearing item #4);

4.    Proposed ADOPTION of RIMFR Part 6 - General Equipment Provisions (in conjunction with hearing items # 5, 6, 7, and 8). Proposal involves re-locating and editing language from RIMFR Part X - Equipment Restrictions, RIMFR Part XI - Commercial Fisheries, RIMFR Part XIII - Gill Net Regulations, and RIMFR Part XIV - Fish Traps (in conjunction with hearing items # 5, 6, 7 and 8).

5.    Proposed REPEAL of RIMFR Part X - Equipment Restrictions (in conjunction with hearing items # 4, 6, 7, and 8).

6.    Proposed REPEAL of RIMFR Part XI - Commercial Fisheries (in conjunction with hearing items # 4, 5, 7, and 8).

7.    Proposed REPEAL of RIMFR Part XIII - Gill Net Regulations (in conjunction with hearing items # 4, 5, 6, and 8).

8.    Proposed REPEAL of RIMFR Part XIV - Fish Traps (in conjunction with hearing items # 4, 5, 6, and 7).

The WORKSHOP will be held at 6:00PM on Monday, March 14th.  at the University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Coastal Institute Building, Hazard Rooms, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882.

The PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 6:00PM on Wednesday, March 23rd at the University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Coastal Institute Building, Hazard Rooms, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882.

The rooms are accessible to the disabled.  Interpreter services for the deaf and hard of hearing will be provided if such services are requested at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing by contacting the RI Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at (401) 222-5300; or (401) 222-5301 (TTY); or http://www.cdhh.ri.gov/.

The Department has determined that small businesses may be adversely impacted by the proposed regulations.  Small businesses which are either currently licensed, or in the future may seek a license to harvest, buy, sell, or produce seafood products, as well as the small businesses that provide services related to those engaged in such industries, are requested to comment on the proposed regulations on how such proposed action can be changed to minimize the impact on those small businesses affected.

Affected parties are strongly encouraged to provide comments or alternative proposals regarding each of the hearing items. Proposals should be submitted prior to the workshop in order to discuss publicly at the workshop.  Division staff are available to discuss as needed.

Written comments concerning the proposed regulations may be submitted to Peter Duhamel, Division of Fish and Wildlife - Marine Fisheries office, 3 Fort Wetherill Road, Jamestown, RI 02835 no later than 12:00 Noon on February 16, 2016.  A copy of the proposed regulations will be available for review from January 15 through February 16, 2016 at the Marine Fisheries offices, or by mail. A copy of the proposed regulation(s) has been filed with the Office of the Secretary of State's website at http://sos.ri.gov/ProposedRules/.  Proposed annotated regulations are also available on the DEM Marine Fisheries webpage at http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/fishwild/pn032316.htm.

Thank you
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