...to preserve, protect, develop, and restore coastal resources for all Rhode Islanders
Council to appoint a Habitat Advisory Board
As part of the Ocean SAMP the Council is to appoint a Habitat Advisory Board. This board as set out in regulation will have the following responsibilities (below). The Council is seeking individuals from marine research institutions that have experience in the ocean waters off Rhode Island, are residents of the state, and have an expertise in marine habitat, marine fisheries, marine avian studies, marine mammals, oceanography, and biological oceanography. If you are interested please send your resume and letter of interest to:
Grover Fugate
Executive Director
Coastal Resources Management Council
Stedman Government Center
4808 Tower Hill Road
Wakefield, Rhode Island 02879-1900
Resumes and letter of interest must be submitted by October 7, 2011.
Responsibilities of the Habitat Advisory Board (from the Ocean Special Area Management Plan):
The Council shall appoint a standing Habitat Advisory Board (HAB) which shall provide advice to the Council on the ecological function, restoration and protection of the marine resources and habitats in the Ocean SAMP area and on the siting, construction, and operation of off shore development in the Ocean SAMP study area The HAB shall also provide advice on scientific research and its application to the Ocean SAMP. The HAB is an advisory body to the Council and does not supplant any authority of any federal or state agency responsible for the conservation and restoration of marine habitats. The HAB shall be comprised of nine members, five representing marine research institutions with experience in the Ocean SAMP study area and surrounding waters, and four representing environmental non-governmental organizations that maintain a focus on Rhode Island. HAB members shall serve four-year terms and shall serve no more than two consecutive terms. The Council shall provide to the HAB a semi-annual status report on Ocean SAMP area marine resources and habitat-related issues and adaptive management of projects in the Ocean SAMP planning area, including but not limited to: protection and restoration of marine resources and habitats, cumulative impacts, climate change, environmental review criteria, siting and performance standards, and marine resources and habitat mitigation and monitoring. The Council shall notify the HAB in writing concerning any project in the Ocean SAMP area. The HAB shall meet not less than semi-annually with the Fishermen’s Advisory Board and on an as-needed basis to provide the Council with advice on protection and restoration of marine resources and habitats in the Ocean SAMP areas and potential adverse impacts on marine resources and habitat posed by proposed projects reviewed by the Council. The HAB may also meet regularly to discuss issues related to the latest science of ecosystem-based management in the marine environment and new information relevant to the management of the Ocean SAMP planning area. In addition the HAB may aid the Council and its staff in developing and implementing a research agenda. As new information becomes available and the scientific understanding of the Ocean SAMP planning area evolves, the HAB may identify new areas with unique or fragile physical features, important natural habitats, or areas of high natural productivity for designation by the Council as Areas of Particular Concern or Areas Designated for Preservation.