R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-2.2-2: Purposes.

The purposes of this chapter are to:

(1) Enable recreational fisherman to fish legally in the marine waters of Rhode Island, and in all offshore federal waters, via a state-based recreational fishing licensing program, established in accordance with the requirements set forth by the federal Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. § 1801 et seq.);

(2) Establish a state-based licensing program that will: provide Rhode Island recreational fisherman, including residents and non-resident visitors, with a convenient and inexpensive licensing process; support and contribute to more accurate state-based fishing and resource assessments; and provide for fair and effective management programs that optimize benefits and opportunities for Rhode Island recreational fisherman; and

(3) Establish a dedicated funding vehicle to support improved coastal access opportunities for recreational fisherman along the Rhode Island shoreline.