The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of NOAA has announced that Rhode Island's 2024 commercial quota for summer flounder has been fully harvested. From December 5, 2024, federally permitted vessels are prohibited from landing summer flounder in Rhode Island unless additional quota is acquired from another state. This temporary closure aligns Rhode Island with federal conservation measures to prevent overfishing and maintain sustainable fishery practices. The closure is enacted immediately to ensure the state's commercial quota is not exceeded before the year ends.
Simple Explanation
Rhode Island caught all the summer flounder fish they were allowed to for 2024, so the fishermen there have to stop catching more unless they get permission from another state to catch more. This helps make sure there are enough fish left for the future.