12-R141

2012 -- S 2547 AS AMENDED

Enacted 03/14/12

 

 

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT TO DEVELOP COMPREHENSIVE PAIR - TRAWL REGULATIONS IN

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     

     Introduced By: Senators Sosnowski, Walaska, McCaffrey, Felag, and Sheehan

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2012

 

     

 

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island commercial fishing industry plays a critical role in the

state’s economy, including new job opportunities which contribute to long-term sustainability of

the industry;

     WHEREAS, The presence of herring and mackerel in state waters attracts commercial

fishermen, from Rhode Island as well as neighboring states, which allows both large-scale-pair-

trawl operations and smaller-scale trawl fisheries in Rhode Island waters;

     WHEREAS, The safety concerns, user conflicts and potential gear damage are paramount

issues among the fisheries industry and policy makers alike; and that these issues must be

resolved to foster the continued vibrancy of the fishing industry;

     WHEREAS, Several states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region have effectively

addressed issues and conflicts related to pair-trawls through policy and regulatory mechanisms;

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council (RIMFC) serves to research and

monitor marine species to support the effective management of finfish and shellfish of

commercial and recreational importance in an advisory capacity to the Director of the Department

of Environmental Management (DEM); now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

respectfully requests the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council (RIMFC) to work in consultation

with the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to develop comprehensive regulatory

reform, as soon as practicable, that shall address the issue of pair-trawling in the State of Rhode

Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Governor and the Director of the Rhode

Island Department of Environmental Management.

     

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LC01968

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