Rhode Island Fishermen’s Fairness Act of 2025

The Rhode Island Fishermen’s Fairness Act of 2025 aims to grant Rhode Island formal representation on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC). Currently, Rhode Island is a member of the New England Fishery Management Council, but its fishermen frequently catch species like squid and butterfish that are managed by the Mid-Atlantic council. Because Rhode Island lacks a seat on that specific board, state officials argue their local fishing industry has no direct say in the quotas and regulations that govern a significant portion of their catch.

If enacted, the bill would increase the number of voting members on the Mid-Atlantic council from 21 to 23. This expansion would provide Rhode Island with two dedicated seats: one for the state’s top marine fisheries official and another for a representative appointed by the Secretary of Commerce based on recommendations from the Governor of Rhode Island. This change is intended to ensure that the state's economic interests and commercial fishing data are directly considered when the council sets harvest limits and management plans.