Scientific Collector’s Permits for Marine Species

Regulation Authority:

R.I. Gen. Laws § These Rules and Regulations are promulgated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Title 20
R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 20-1-18
20-1-21
and 20-1-22
R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 42-17.1
42-17.6
and 42-17.7
and in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35.

Purpose and Reason:

1. Division proposal to establish a new regulation applicable to the issuance of scientific collector’s permits for marine species.  Regulations governing the issuance of scientific collector’s permits for any species of wild animal are currently in place within the Division of Fish and Wildlife; although the Division of Marine Fisheries currently collects permit fees, reviews permit applications, and issues scientific collector permits for all marine fisheries-related permits.  In conjunction with this proposed rule, the Division of Fish and Wildlife is also concurrently proposing amendments to their regulations to specify applicability of their rule only to terrestrial, avian, freshwater or diadromous species of wild animals.  There are no significant effective changes proposed to current practices by either Division; the proposed rule will provide for an exemption for Department staff working within the scope of their official duties, consistent with current practice and as recommended by the Division of Law Enforcement.