Rhode Island state waters, out to 3 miles
Federally prohibited shark (bluntnose sixgill) — release in the water with minimal injury.
RI DEM 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Six gill slits (most sharks have five), one dorsal fin set far back near the tail, a broad blunt snout; a deep-water shark. More on the bluntnose sixgill shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Bluntnose sixgill shark in other states19 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep bluntnose sixgill shark in Rhode Island?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Rhode Island. Release it in the water where you can. Federally prohibited shark (bluntnose sixgill) — release in the water with minimal injury.
How current is this Rhode Island bluntnose sixgill shark rule?
Source: RI DEM 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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