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6/1/2021 Senate passes Sosnowski legislation allowing for the direct dockside sale of fish
STATE HOUSE — The Senate today passed legislation introduced by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, New Shoreham, South Kingstown) that would allow for the direct dockside sale of fish.

The bill (2021-S 0206A) would permit the dockside sale of allowable species upon issuance of a direct sale dealer license by the Department of Environmental Management to a commercial fishing license holder. The legislation would allow finfish to be headed, gutted and filleted dockside from the vessel. Lobsters, crabs and whelk would be sold live.

“Commercial fisheries have taken a particular beating during the COVID pandemic,” said Senator Sosnowski. “Those in the seafood industry are just starting to get back on their feet now since the closure of restaurants and other businesses and supply chains.”

Last year, Senator Sosnowski worked closely with the DEM and members of the shellfishing industry to find alternatives to the supply chain and to ensure that the seafood industry is protected and served. The DEM issued provisions temporarily allowing fishermen to sell their catch dockside to consumers and retailers.

“This legislation will make those temporary protocols law,” said Senator Sosnowski. “Under the legislation, all seafood must be stored and handled in a safe and sanitary manner pursuant to department regulations.”

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where similar legislation (2021-H 5921) has been introduced by Rep. Justin K. Price (R-Dist. 39, Richmond, Hopkinton, Exeter).



For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922