CRMC to hold aquatic invasives conference

August 15, 2012, WAKEFIELD – The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) on Friday, Aug. 17, will be holding the first conference on Marine and Estuarine Aquatic Invasive Species in Rhode Island.

The day-long forum will be held at the Coastal Institute at the University of Rhode Island’s Bay Campus, and will feature discussion on topics including the global reach of aquatic invasive species (AIS); the marine AIS effort in Rhode Island; the Lionfish invasion and the Chinese Mitten Crab in the Hudson River estuary. The afternoon session will feature breakout work/discussion sessions on early detection and rapid response for Rhode Island’s AIS monitoring program efforts.

The CRMC has been monitoring for aquatic invasive species since the Rhode Island AIS Management Plan was approved in 2007 by the federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. The plan supports long-term monitoring for AIS in the state’s marine ecosystems and provides for actions to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species, control their impacts and eradicate those already present whenever possible.

Consistent with national goals, the plan encourages the development of an Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) network that includes monitoring and an organizational framework to provide resources to minimize the impacts of invasives. Attendees will be taking part in the creation of Rhode Island’s first aquatic invasive species EDRR network.

A new logo for the monitoring program will also be unveiled at the conference, the winning entry from its conference design contest. The CRMC chose a logo submitted by professor and graphic designer Karyn Jimenez-Elliott, who will receive a $500 gift card for her winning entry. The logo will be used in all future AIS monitoring program materials and merchandise.

The event is being sponsored by the Coastal Institute at the University of Rhode Island.

Conference information

For more information on the CRMC’s AIS program, go to http://www.crmc.ri.gov/invasives.html.