[Rimarinefisheries] FAQs for May 2017 Shellfish Changes

[rimarinefisheries at listserve.ri.gov]

Hello. The following is a set of answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding some recent shellfish changes announced by RIDEM. The FAQs can also be found in the attached PDF document, and are also posted on our website at the following link:
http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/water/shellfsh/pdf/areafaq0517.pdf
Thank you



Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on the
"May 2017 Notice of Polluted Shellfishing Grounds"
Did RIDEM announce that new areas of the bay have been opened to shellfishing for the first time in 70 years?
No, but what we did announce was that Conditional Area "B" of the Upper Narragansett Bay Growing Area 1 will no longer routinely close due to rainfall.  This area was previously classified as Conditionally Approved and routinely closed for seven days following a 1.5" rain event.  As of May 27, 2017 this area was reclassified as Approved removing the conditional restrictions on harvest that have been in place for 70 years.

Did RIDEM lift all restrictions in Greenwich Bay?  What about the December Monday-Wednesday-Friday restrictions?
No, the only restriction that RIDEM Office of Water Resources lifted was the December Seasonal closure of the western portion of Greenwich Bay.  Greenwich Bay will continue to operate as conditionally approved, closed for seven days after a 0.5" or greater precipitation event.
All existing Prohibited and Conditional waters remain in effect.
RIDEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife harvest management restrictions remain in effect.

Did the Providence River open to shellfishing?
NO

What happened to the Conimicut Triangle Conditional Area?
It was merged with Conditional Area "A" and will close with "A"


RIDEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) still maintains harvest management restrictions for shellfish grounds.  Management rules for Conimicut Point, as well as other DFW Shellfish Management Areas, can be found in Section 4.12 of the RI Marine Fisheries Regulations Part 4 - Shellfish at:

4.12 Shellfish Management Areas<http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/regs/fishwild/rimf4.pdf>

To hear a recorded message announcing conditional area status and any emergency closures call the Shellfish Hotline at
401-222-2900
.





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