Waiver of State Beach User Fees and Recreational Saltwater Fishing License Requirement on Governor’s Bay Day

WHEREAS, ​2026 marks the 37th anniversary of Governor’s Bay Day, which began in response to the World Prodigy oil spill in Narragansett Bay in 1989; and​ 

WHEREAS, the people of Rhode Island created Governor’s Bay Day that same year, to celebrate the beauty of Narragansett Bay, raise awareness about its fragility, and highlight the threats it faces from environmental degradation; and​ 

WHEREAS, ​Governor’s Bay Day provides a platform to appreciate and enjoy the natural treasures of Narragansett Bay, including its pristine waters, flourishing fisheries, sandy beaches, and historic parks, while also educating the public about the importance of environmental stewardship and the ongoing challenges in preserving these resources; and​ 

WHEREAS, ​protecting and promoting Narragansett Bay and its surrounding watersheds are top priorities of the State; our waters provide abundant and diverse local seafood, nourishing our families and strengthening our economy; and ​ 

WHEREAS, ​Narragansett Bay is a vital natural resource that supports our water-based economy and its critical business sector; with over 175,000 recreational anglers in Rhode Island, recreational saltwater fishing adds more than $130 million to the economy annually; and

WHEREAS, ​strong environmental laws, significant infrastructure investments, and statewide efforts to better manage stormwater have led to improved water quality in Narragansett Bay and throughout the Ocean State; and​ 

WHEREAS, ​Rhode Island’s magnificent public beaches are one of our State’s most treasured natural resources, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, and everyone who enjoys Rhode Island’s parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces has a responsibility to keep them clean, take personal responsibility for their trash, and is encouraged to take the Litter Free Rhode Island pledge to protect our unique natural heritage; and​ 

WHEREAS, ​Rhode Island is committed to promoting and expanding outdoor recreation in our State—Rhode Island’s ample saltwater fishing provides a great way for families and friends to experience the thrill of recreational fishing; and ​ 

WHEREAS, ​Rhode Island General Laws § 42-17.1-9.1 permits the Director of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to establish appropriate parking fees for state beaches; and​ 

WHEREAS, ​the DEM Director, consistent with § 42-17.1-9.1, may, from time to time, waive parking fees for all state beaches; and​

WHEREAS, ​Rhode Island General Laws § 20-2.2-5 permits the DEM Director to establish a free-fishing day where a license is not required for recreational saltwater fishing; and ​ 

WHEREAS, ​the DEM Director wishes to waive state beach parking fees on Bay Day and designate Bay Day as a free-fishing day for recreational saltwater fishing.​ 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DANIEL J. MCKEE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island, do hereby order as follows: 

1. All Rhode Island state beaches will be open to the public free of parking fees on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
2. Recreational saltwater fishing shall be permitted without possession of a recreational saltwater fishing license in the marine waters of Rhode Island from Friday, July 24, 2026, through Sunday, July 26, 2026.

This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order 25-01 and shall take effect immediately upon the date hereof.

So Ordered:

Daniel J. McKee
Governor