RI Cont. Art I, Sec 17, 1842

"The people shall continue to enjoy and freely exercise all the rights of fishery, and the privileges of the shore, to which they have been heretofore entitled under the Charter and usages of this state."

The court so recognized in identifying the rights of the fishery and privileges of the shore "that there must have been some such 'privileges' which were then recognized as belonging to the people and which the framers and adopters of the constitution intended to change into [rights] beyond the power of the general assembly to destroy." (Jackvony v. Powel, 67 RI 218, [1941]) (emphasis mine)
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(via email)

Maura Gazerro
Scheduling Director
Office of the Governor
State House, Room 123
Providence, RI 02903
Ph: (401) 222-8056
Fax: (401) 273-5729
E-mail: mgazerro@gov.state.ri.us

Maura Gazero,

As you are aware Rhode Island's commercial fishing industry has been crippled by increasingly tougher federal rules that protect fish stocks. With the recent affects of the world economy and record fuel prices. Fishermen are finding it impossible to pay the standard business bills let alone their household bills.

Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts was able to acquire $13.4 million through his federal congressional delegates by formulating an estimated $22 million loss to the regional economy of the Common Wealth because of the federal restrictions on catching cod, monk fish and other commercially valuable ground fish. Qualified federal fishing permit holders received an average $23,500 per boat. State permit holders received a subsidy of about $10,000 each.

The plan is to follow in the footsteps of Massachusetts and put our best bi-partisan foot forward to be able to obtain federal aid for one of our states largest and most recognized industries. If you have any further questions please feel free to call anytime.

Thank You Richard Fuka / RIFA