The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the Ocean SAMP document – why it was developed; a brief history of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council’s history in creating SAMPs; the goals of the SAMP; and the process by which the Ocean SAMP was produced.

The purpose of this chapter will provide a broad overview of the SAMP area and SAMP document, laying the foundation for the subsequent chapters which describe the present status of the Ocean SAMP study area, characterize the natural attributes and resources of this body of water, describe current uses, identify and review existing and potential future use impacts, and present policies and recommendations that will help federal, state, and local governments work with the people of Rhode Island to wisely manage the Ocean SAMP study area for this and future generations.

The purpose of the Rhode Island Ocean SAMP Ecology Chapter is to provide a broad overview of SAMP area ecosystem: its geology, wind patterns, air and water temperatures, salinity, water currents and circulation, chemical oceanography, phytoplankton, zooplankton, ichthyplankton, the benthos, fish, megafauna (whales, seals, turtles) and avifauna (birds). With the Ocean SAMP region being a busy maritime entryway to both Narragansett Bay and Long Island Sound, it is critical that the complex ecological and biological dynamics of this transitional sea area be increasingly studied and understood for appropriate resources management. Due to comments received when originally advertised for public comment, Chapter 2 – Ecology of the Ocean SAMP Region has been revised.

The purposes of the Rhode Island Ocean SAMP Fisheries Resources and Uses Chapter are to summarize existing information about current commercial and recreational fisheries resources and activities within the Ocean SAMP area; highlight the economic, social, cultural, and historic value of these activities to Rhode Island; and outline policies for managing these activities within the context of other existing and future uses. Accordingly, this chapter focuses primarily on commercially and recreationally important species that are targeted within the SAMP area by Rhode Island fishermen, and on current baseline conditions based on the best available existing data and information.

The purpose of the Rhode Island Ocean SAMP Renewable Energy Chapter is to address potential sites in Rhode Island state and federal waters for the location of offshore renewable energy resources projects, and to describe the potential effects that renewable energy development may have on the economics of Rhode Island, natural resources, and existing uses of the SAMP area.

While a number of federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies now govern the uses of the areas contained within the Ocean SAMP, the purpose of this chapter is to address additional provisions to provide policy direction for, and regulation and management of, new ocean resources and uses, as well as to enhance management of existing activities. The Ocean SAMP New Policies Chapter addresses these emerging policies.

The purpose of the Ocean Special Area Management Plan (Ocean SAMP) is to serve as a regulatory, planning and adaptive management tool of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) to uphold its regulatory responsibilities. Using the best available science and working with well-informed and committed resource users, researchers, environmental and civic organizations, and local, state and federal government agencies, the Ocean SAMP provides a comprehensive understanding of this complex and rich ecosystem.