RIDEM: “Rules and Regulations Governing the Rhode Island Seafood Brand and the Mislabeling of Marine Species”

Attached please find proposed “Rules and Regulations Governing the Rhode Island Seafood Brand and the Mislabeling of Marine Species” and a public hearing notice for August 27, 2013, 6 pm, at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, Corliss Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI. Kindly distribute within the Rhode Island fishing community. Written comments may be submitted concerning the regulations proposed for promulgation to the Division of Agriculture, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI by 12:00 pm on August 27, 2013. There will be an informal question and answer period immediately following the public hearing at Corliss Auditorium on August 27th, and you may discuss informally with DEM in advance of the public hearing by contacting Ken Ayars, Chief, Division of Agriculture (222-2781 ext. 4500, ken.ayars@dem.ri.gov), Pete Susi, Deputy Chief, Division of Agriculture (222-2781 ext. 4517, peter.susi@dem.ri.gov), or Robert Ballou, Assistant to the Director (222-4700 ext. 4420, robert.ballou@dem.ri.gov).   

A copy of the proposed regulations can be requested by mail or are available at the Division of Agriculture, RIDEM, located at 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908. Electronic copies of the proposed regulations are available on the DEM website at the following web address: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/agricult/pdf/cfoodpn.pdf. The RI Seafood Brand to which the regulations pertain is attached, please be advised this brand has been trademarked by DEM.

A point of clarification regarding the proposed regulations:  the monetary penalties in Section 8.00(1) pertain only to violations of Section 7.00 regarding the mislabeling of marine species. The penalty proposed for any person improperly using the seafood logo or brand is limited to the suspension or revocation of the authorization or right to use the brand.

Ken Ayars, Chief
Division of Agriculture, RIDEM

To view or download: DEM Proposed Regulations.