R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-1-2: Care and supervision of harbors and tidewaters.

The director of the department of environmental management shall have the general care and supervision of all the public harbors and tidewaters within the state, with authority to prosecute for and to cause to be removed all unauthorized obstructions and encroachments therein, and may cause the harbors and public waters to be surveyed and platted and may make such examinations and observations as he or she may deem necessary to protect and develop the rights and interests of the state in the harbors and public waters; and may employ such engineers and other service as may be necessary to this end.