PROVIDENCE, R.I (AP) — The deadline to apply for new commercial fishing licenses in Rhode Island is approaching.

The Department of Environmental Management says a limited number of new licenses are being made available for the 2013 season to harvest quahogs, soft-shell clams and restricted finfish.

Officials say there will be a total of 23 new quahog, 11 soft-shell clam and six restricted finfish licenses for summer flounder, scup, striped bass, black sea bass, tautog and winter flounder.

Applications must be filed with the department by Feb. 28.

Rhode Island residents may also obtain new commercial fishing licenses for other catches.