2012 -- S 2547

=======

LC01968

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

____________

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

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

1-1

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

1-2

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

1-3

the industry;

1-4

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

1-5

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

1-6

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

1-7

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

1-8

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

1-9

resolved to foster the continued vibrancy of the fishing industry;

1-10

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

1-11

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

1-12

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Mid-Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council (RIMFC) serves

1-13

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

1-14

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

1-15

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

1-16

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

1-17

respectfully requests the Rhode Island Mid-Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council (RIMFC) to work

1-18

in consultation with the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to develop

1-19

comprehensive regulatory reform, as soon as practicable, that shall address the issue of pair-

1-20

trawling in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

2-1

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

2-2

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

2-3

Island Department of Environmental Management.

     

=======

LC01968

=======

S2547