The continual decrease in commercial-fishing boats in Rhode Island, the increasing age of Rhode Island fishermen and an aging population of vessels – also detailed in the report – could paint a less-than-rosy future. But other data collected, including what authors say is previously unreported information on the value of a thriving seafood-processing industry – $100 million in 2010 – offer hope for growth in the state’s commercial-fishing industry, the advocates say.
