Tag: RI DEM

DEM Announces Annual Reclassification of Shellfish Waters and Seasonall Shellfish Closures

Posted on behalf of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

DEM Announces Annual Reclassification of Shellfish Waters and Seasonal Shellfish Closures that take effect on May 24:  http://www.dem.ri.gov/news/2014/pr/0523141.htm

In addition, DEM’s Office of Water Resources has been working on an online harvester education program around safe handling and storage of shellfish. The online quiz-format will allow harvesters, both commercial and recreational, to better understand safe practices to help minimize risks associated with Vibrio. While currently in test phase, the program will be available to harvesters this summer. For more info, contact Joseph.Migliore@dem.ri.gov

DEM will also be working with MA Marine Fisheries, FDA and EPA in the Mount Hope Bay area this Fall, conducting a hydrographic dye study of the Somerset Waste Water Treatment Facility. The study is scheduled for September.

Bristol Volunteer Quahog Transplant – May 7, 2014

Posted on behalf of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

THE 2014 BRISTOL HARBOR VOLUNTEER QUAHOG TRANSPLANT IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY MAY 7, 2014

Shellfishermen that participate in the program will initially harvest the quahogs in Bristol Harbor, then will be required to transport the clams to the Bristol Harbor Shellfish Transplant Area, and then will dump the clams directly from their own vessel.

The transplant will operate from the Independence Park Boat Ramp in Bristol and will take place between 8 a.m. and noon. Shellfishermen wishing to take part in the transplant should report to the on-scene DEM enforcement patrol boat by 8 a.m. on the day of the transplant.

The officers will collect licenses of all those participating. Transplanted shellfish will be unavailable for harvest until December 2014.  See attached flyer.

For additional information, please contact

RI Department of Environmental Management
Division of Fish and Wildlife – Marine Fisheries Section
http://www.dem.ri.gov (401)423-1923 or (401)423-1932

DEM Emergency Shellfishing Closures Due to Rain

Posted on behalf of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

DEM ANNOUNCES NEW EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF SHELLFISHING AREAS IN POINT JUDITH POND AND POTTERS POND AS A RESULT OF EXCESSIVE RAINFALL AND RUNOFF

The Department of Environmental Management announces that due to anticipated unacceptable water quality resulting from this weekend’s. 5.26″ of rainfall, all approved waters of Point Judith Pond and Potters Pond will be closed to shellfishing beginning at noon on Monday, March 31.

Due to excess runoff as a result of intense rainfall, these coastal ponds will remain closed until further information and/or test results indicate these waters are safe for shellfishing.

All aquaculturists in areas where emergency shellfish closures have been enacted will be allowed access to their leases to conduct necessary maintenance/retrieval of their equipment. All other activities on the aquaculture lease, including but not limited to the harvest of shellfish, will remain prohibited until the water quality is acceptable to allow for harvest. Aquaculturists that intend to conduct maintenance and/or retrieval of their equipment under this emergency authorization are required to notify Dave Beutel, CRMC’s Aquaculture Coordinator by leaving a message at 783-3370.

DEM maintains a 24-hour shellfishing hotline with recorded updated information on shellfish closure areas. That number is 222-2900.

DEM Announces New Commerical Fishing License Opportunites and Program Changes

The Department of Environmental Management announces that it is accepting applications for new and renewed commercial fishing licenses for 2014. The marine fishing license year runs from January 1 through December 31. A total of 51 new “restricted” shellfish and finfish license endorsements will be available this year, in addition to the open “non-restricted” license endorsements. The Department also announces the enactment of several changes to the licensing program, all aimed at improving opportunities for the Rhode Island commercial fishing community, as well as improving program administration.  Read full press release

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