Can I Keep?Horseshoe Crab Regulations in Rhode Island (2026)
Recreational horseshoe crab rules in Rhode Island saltwater, as published by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Horseshoe Crab rules in Rhode Island
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- Any resident with a Horseshoe Crab Harvest Permit may possess not more than five (5) horseshoe crabs in any calendar day.
- Season
- No person shall harvest horseshoe crabs from waters or shoreline of the state during the 48-hour period preceding and the 48-hour period following the new and full moons during the month of May annually.
- It is illegal for any person to harvest horseshoe crabs in Rhode Island for recreational purposes without a Horseshoe Crab Harvest Permit.
- No person shall harvest horseshoe crabs for commercial or recreational purposes on or within 100 feet seaward of Patience and Prudence Islands in Narragansett Bay.
Commercial rules
Show 2 commercial rules
- Where
- Bait Fishery
- Size limit
- 7"
- Bag limit
- 60 crabs/day
- Season
- 1/1 - 4/30; 6/1 - 12/31
- Applies to: Bait Fishery
- Where
- Biomedical Fishery
- Size limit
- 7"
- Bag limit
- Unlimited
- Season
- 1/1 - 12/31
- Applies to: Biomedical Fishery
Quick answers
How many horseshoe crab can I keep in Rhode Island?
Any resident with a Horseshoe Crab Harvest Permit may possess not more than five (5) horseshoe crabs in any calendar day..
When is horseshoe crab season in Rhode Island?
No person shall harvest horseshoe crabs from waters or shoreline of the state during the 48-hour period preceding and the 48-hour period following the new and full moons during the month of May annually.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More crabs, lobster & shrimp in Rhode Island
All Rhode Island saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Rhode Island saltwater license or registry: get one here.