1. The CRMC recognizes that commercial aquaculture is a viable means for supplementing the yields of marine fish and shellfish food products, and shall support commercial aquaculture in those locations where it can be accommodated among other uses of Rhode Island waters. The CRMC recognizes that responsible shellfish aquaculture has a net positive effect on the environment; therefore it is permissible in all water types. As any human activity can have adverse environmental effects, the Council recognizes the possibility of setting scientifically defensible limits on aquaculture leasing in any particular water body. The CRMC also recognizes that in the framework of adaptive management protocols, research into the ecology of coastal waters and our understanding of ecosystem carrying capacities is constantly evolving and improving.

3. Offshore developments shall not have a significant adverse impact on the natural resources or existing human uses of the Rhode Island coastal zone, as described in the Ocean SAMP. Where the Council determines that impacts on the natural resources or human uses of the Rhode Island coastal zone through the pre-construction, construction, operation, or decommissioning phases of a project constitute significant adverse impacts, the council shall, through its permitting and enforcement authorities in state waters and through any subsequent CZMA federal consistency reviews, require that the applicant modify the proposal to avoid and/or mitigate the impacts or the Council shall deny the proposal. In making its decision regarding a proposed offshore development, the Council shall, among other things, consider the offshore development’s impact on the Rhode Island economy, including any economic impacts from the offshore development on other existing human uses. The Council shall consider whether the economic benefits are sufficient to outweigh any adverse impacts to existing human uses. The Council may use economic impact information available in any existing Federal or State application documents prepared for an offshore development, including information contained in associated NEPA documents. 

3. Offshore developments shall not have a significant adverse impact on the natural resources or existing human uses of the Rhode Island coastal zone, as described in the Ocean SAMP. Where the Council determines that impacts on the natural resources or human uses of the Rhode Island coastal zone through the pre-construction, construction, operation, or decommissioning phases of a project constitute significant adverse effects not previously evaluated, the Council shall, through its permitting and enforcement authorities in state waters and through any subsequent CZMA federal consistency reviews, require that the applicant modify the proposal to avoid and/or mitigate the impacts or the Council shall deny the proposal. In making its decision regarding a proposed offshore development, the Council shall, among other things, consider the offshore development’s impact on the Rhode Island economy, including any economic impacts from the offshore development on other existing human uses. The Council shall consider whether the economic benefits are sufficient to outweigh any adverse impacts to existing human uses. The Council may use economic impact information available in any existing Federal or State application documents prepared for an offshore development, including information contained in associated NEPA documents.