Rhode Island General Laws Title 20. Fish and Wildlife § 20-4-1. Commercial fishing

No person shall engage in the taking for sale, by any manner, method, or contrivance, of any marine finfish, shellfish, crustacean, or other invertebrate; and no vessel, boat, trap, seine, or other fishing gear shall be used in the taking for sale or landing of any marine finfish, shellfish, crustacean, or other invertebrate unless a license or permit has been obtained as provided in this title. Provided, however, that for all commercial fisheries except shellfish, any number of unlicensed crews may assist in direct commercial harvest operations regardless of the manner, method, or contrivance employed, as long as said crew is/are located onboard a commercially declared vessel that is operated by an individual who possesses a valid and proper commercial fishing license and is/are under the direct supervision and responsibility of said properly licensed commercial fisher. With respect to commercial shellfish operations, unlicensed crews may only assist with culling activities and other indirect harvest operations, as the director may determine by regulations adopted pursuant to this title, while said crew is/are located onboard a commercially declared vessel that is operated by an individual who possesses a valid and proper commercial fishing license and is/are under the direct supervision and responsibility of said properly licensed commercial fisher.