PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Environmental Management this month issued guidelines for “the priority interests of the state” regarding the conservation and management of marine fisheries.

The report, “Principles & Policies Governing Marine Fisheries Management in Rhode Island,” was developed primarily to guide and support DEM’s programs and activities pertaining to marine-fisheries, but also broadly addresses all key issues associated with marine fisheries management in Rhode Island, the agency said.

The document sets general principles and policies that address the need to rebuild depleted stocks, restore degraded habitats and use sound science to assess stock status and establish sustainable harvest levels.

DEM places the value of the commercial fishery industry to Rhode Island at more than $22 million in state tax revenue and supporting 4,968 jobs.

The document and an accompanying cover letter are available on DEM’s website at www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/fishwild/pdf/policy.pdf. •