Mr. Willis gave a brief overview of the application stating that the applicant was asking to take a previously approved existing Marina Perimeter Limit and make it into two separate MPLs. Mr. Willis explained that when the assent was issued in 2005 it was not specified that the MPL was for two separate corporations and the situation needs to be rectified. Mr. Sahagian asked if the staff was still recommending the original four stipulations. Mr. Willis confirmed that the original four stipulations would be incorporated into the new permit. Mr. Sahagian motioned for approval of application. Chair Livingston asked the applicant to if they wanted to speak. Attorney Steve McInnis, representing Malabar Holding Corporation was sworn in and identified himself for the record. Mr. McInnis explained that the owner of the other 1⁄2 of the land, Talaria Real Estate, received notification of hearing and was not objecting to the proposal. Mr. McInnis explained that the two businesses involved were very different, one being a marine operating business and Talaria, which is a marina, so the MPLs would be used in different capacities for each business. Vice Chair Lemont discussed access to the area and Mr. McInnis confirmed that the fairway would remain available for passage. Mr. Hudner seconded Mr. Sahagian motion to approve. Motion to approve carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Beutel gave a brief overview of the application stating that the operation would be an 8.25 acre blue mussel farm using a suspended long line method to be located southwest of Watson farm in water deep enough so that eel grass will not grow. Mr. Beutel stated that there had been a successful viability application and three preliminary determination applications to get to this point due to the location of the operation. Mr. Beutel stated that Mr. Silkes had successfully addressed all questions and worked diligently with Save The Bay and the Jamestown Harbor Master to determine a location that would have the least conflict. Mr. Beutel stated that the one objection to the application was due to species, Blue Mussels, being grown in Narragansett Bay. Mr. Beutel stated that Blue Mussels are native to Narragansett Bay and that they are harvested wild but growing them is a more efficient way producing blue mussels. Mr. Beutel stated that the RI Marine Fisheries Council overrode the objection of the Shellfish Advisory Panel. Mr. Beutel explained that based on work of Kristen Cade of URI regarding current patterns which showed mussels would not be moved to objector’s area. Mr. Beutel stated that based on Mr. Silkes work to alleviate all concerns and has met all program requirements, he recommended approval of application. There was discussion on location of operation, depth of operation and navigation over the lines and between two operations. Mr. Beutel clarified for Mr. Affigne the process of the Shellfish Advisory Plan and the recommendation process to the RI Marine Fisheries Council. Mr. Beutel confirmed that the navigational situation was reviewed by both the Coast Guard, offering no comment, and the Jamestown Harbor Master who was in favor of the operation. Mr. Beutel stated that he was convinced that the operation would not be a hazard. With confirmation that the applicant met all CRMC standards and the operation is consistent with the program, Mr. Sahagian motioned approval of the application. Mr. Gomez seconded the motion to approve. There was discussion on where the mussels were marketed. Adam Silkes and Bill Silkes were sworn in and identified themselves for the record and explained that there was a growing demand for locall grown shellfish and other foods. Mr. Silkes explained that the mussels were called blue golds and were received very well by market buyers as they are locally grown. Vice Chair Lemont moved the question. Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.