Rhode Island § 20-4-5 - Commercial Fisheries

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 20-4-5 — Commercial Fisheries, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20-4-5. Commercial Fisheries

R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-4-5

§ 20-4-5. Report of commercial fisheries.

The owner and/or operator of every boat and/or operator of any device licensed pursuant to this title for the taking or landing of marine organisms for commercial purposes in the state of Rhode Island, or any person issued a license by the director for such purposes, and any dealer of marine organisms licensed pursuant to this title shall, upon request of the department, make either a telephone report, or a written report, or both. Written reports shall be made on forms furnished by the department of environmental management and shall include catch and effort data and any other fishery data that may be required by the director. The reports shall not be made public and shall be kept only for statistical purposes. Failure to comply with the reporting requirements set out in this section or knowingly or willfully making a false report is prohibited. The license or permit of any person found in violation of this section or regulation duly promulgated thereto may be suspended for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days for each offense. No application for a license renewal shall be accepted from a person whose license or permit is currently under suspension or whose reports have not been submitted. Catch reports must be submitted at a time and in a format specified by the director; provided, however, that any such reporting requirements shall not be unreasonable and shall not create an undue burden.

History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 17, § 4; P.L. 1999, ch. 469, § 1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 20-4-5

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 20-4-5 cover?

Section 20-4-5 ("Commercial Fisheries") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 20-4-5?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 20-4-5" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 20-4-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.