R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-4-13

It shall be unlawful for any person to set, haul, and/or maintain a commercial gill net in the public waters of the state without first obtaining a license or permit as provided in § 20-2.1-5(2)(ii)(C). Any person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.