RI CRMC Aquaculture

Thanks to the efforts of Senator Jack Reed, Rhode Island has received significant funding to expand and develop the aquaculture industry in the State. Known as the Reed Aquaculture Initiative, the CRMC has asked the University of Rhode Island (URI), Roger Williams University (RWU) and the RI Sea Grant College Program (RISG) to serve as major partners in administering these funds, and coordinating the programs to be conducted under the Initiative. An Executive Committee consisting of government officials, researchers, industry representatives and other experts has been formed to oversee the administration of the Reed Aquaculture Initiative and provide guidance on the types of projects to be funded.

The Rhode Island Aquaculture Initiative has released a development and economic feasibility report that outlines the rationale and potential for the development of a Marine Technology and Aquaculture Center (MTAC) to attract and support start-up marine biotechnology and aquaculture companies in Rhode Island. At present, Rhode Island, the Ocean State, makes only a minor contribution to the annual $1 billion U.S. Aquaculture Industry, ranking at or near the bottom among all States in terms of aquaculture production. The State also lacks any commercial production in the marine biosciences, an area of economic interest and growth potential. This report explores the aspects of creating a marine technology and aquaculture center in Rhode Island.

– All files below in PDF format unless indicated otherwise

RI Marine Technology and Aquaculture Center (MTAC), Project Development and Economic Feasibility

Marine Technology and Aquaculture Center (MTAC) Feasibility Analysis - Appendix 1

Marine Technology and Aquaculture Center (MTAC) Feasibility Analysis - Appendix 2

Marine Technology And Aquaculture Center Key Consumer Perception Study - Appendix 3

Proposal for Roger Williams University Aquaculture Technology Park - Appendix 4

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Aquaculture Development Park, Responses from Harbor Branch Aquaculture Consultants - Appendix 5

Map Server

Newly Updated. The Coastal Resources Management Council's Rhode Island Aquaculture Initiative (RIAI) has again updated its online Aquaculture, Fisheries and Habitat Map Server. The site now includes comprehensive, user-friendly interactive maps on public information including beaches, public access points, recreational and commercial fishing, wildlife conservation and parks.

Aquaculture Network Information Center

The Aquaculture Network Information Center is a gateway to the world's electronic aquaculture resources that provides access to all electronic aquaculture information at the national and international level in order to increase the quantity and quality of electronic information available to the aquaculture industry.

East Coast Shellfish Growers Association

The mission of the ECSGA is to promote responsible commercial shellfish aquaculture through market research and promotion, active involvement in public education, participation in policy formation at the state and national levels, and directed research.

Rhode Island Aquaculture Working Group

– All files below in PDF format unless indicated otherwise

CRMC Working Group on Aquaculture Regulations: Report on the Deliberations of the Group and Suggestions to Guide Future Development

Report to the CRMC Council on Aquaculture Working Group progress (PPT)

Working towards consensus: application of shellfish carrying capacity in management of Rhode Island aquaculture

CRMC Working Group on Aquaculture Regulations: Subcommittee on Biology Report on Biological Impacts of Aquaculture

Modeling Carrying Capacity: Final Results

Modeling Carrying Capacity: Presentation of Conceptual Diagram

Environmental Impact and Ecosystem Services Provided by Oyster Aquaculture

CRMC Aquaculture Policy

Aquaculture in Rhode Island - The Permitting Process

A Brief History of Shellfish Aquaculture In Rhode Island