Rhode Island Shellfish Management Plan (SMP) Update

April 2014

Unfortunately, winter weather prevented some SMP gatherings this winter, but we’re pleased to share recent SMP news, upcoming activities, and events. We hope to see you at the April 14th SMP meeting!

In addition to crafting the SMP, we’ve been involved in several projects that speak to the shellfish communities needs in our state:

A partnership with RWU to develop an upweller on the East Bay (Bristol) for shellfishermen to grow seed quahogs and distribute annually to fishing grounds.
Working with RI DEM to develop an effective plan for assessing & maintaining shellfish signs now and into the future, including the collection of GPS coordinates for sign locations.
Working with East Bay shellfishermen and growers to explore opportunities to direct market their products through the new food incubator facility, Hope & Main, in Warren.
Facilitating the creation of a Vibrio Control Plan for oysters only, as recommended by the FDA, in partnership with the state Department of Health, RI DEM, CRMC, and the aquaculture and shellfish industries.

SMP CHAPTERS

Chapter 1/INTRODUCTION: Chapter 1 sets the stage for why the SMP was created and who the involved parties are. This chapter will be available for public review (through Sept) on April 14th after the SMP Stakeholder Meeting.

Chapter 2/ECOLOGY OF SHELLFISH: Alan Desbonnet (Rhode Island Sea Grant) is the lead writer for Chapter 2. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been formed and will begin to developing recommendations. Expected public review: June.

Chapter 3/BIOLOGY OF SHELLFISH: Chapter 3 is nearly complete; Dale Leavitt (RWU) is the lead writer and has been working closely with the TAC. This chapter includes descriptions of shellfish species and life history characteristics, as well as research and management recommendations developed by the TAC. Expected public review: May.

Chapter 5/HARVESTING, GROWING, AND RESTORING SHELLFISH: The lead writers for Chapter 5 are Azure Cygler (CRC), Monique LaFrance (CRC, GSO), and Jeff Mercer (RI DEM). The TAC has met more than a half dozen times since October 2013 and has worked together to craft numerous recommendations, including those addressing management regulations. The diverse team of eight reflects the wild harvest and aquaculture industry, key management agencies, non-profit organizations, and recreational interests. The SMP Coordinating Team (i.e. shellfish management agencies) met with the TAC on March 26 to review the recommendations, providing feedback on their feasibility and implementation. Expected public review: May.

Chapter 8/EXISTING REGULATIONS AND POLICIES: Chapter 8 is being led by Azure Cygler (CRC) and RWU Law and will provide a full description of all the shellfish regulations for all relevant state and federal agencies. The TAC has met numerous times to guide this chapter. Expected public review: May.

SAVE THESE DATES!

April 14, 5:30-7:30pm, Coastal Institute Auditorium, URI Bay Campus

SMP Seminar Series Double Feature: The first presentation will be, “Where the Wild Quahogs Are: Looking at Quahog Larval Supply and Distribution in the Upper Narragansett Bay,” and will focus on Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) project partners sharing their research on quahog population dynamics in Narragansett Bay. The second presentation will feature three Sea Grant-funded researchers, who will each briefly present their proposed shellfish work for 2014-16.

May 19, 5-7pm, Corless Auditorium, URI Bay Campus

SMP Seminar Series: “The Lay of the Land: Understanding Quahog Management in Rhode Island.” Join RI DEM shellfish experts for a discussion on current regulations for the wild harvest of quahogs. Also, three Sea Grant-funded researchers will each briefly present their proposed shellfish work for 2014-16. *Note these researchers will differ from those presenting at the April Seminar.

June 12, July 11, and August 12

The SMP Team will again host the wildly popular public Clamming Classes at Wickford Town Beach and the Galilee Access Road. Quahogger Jody King will teach these shore digging classes, emphasizing safe handling and cooling practices, outlining the regulations that apply to recreational diggers, and sharing some shellfish preparation tips. Space is limited to 25 people to each class. Signup information to follow.

For more information, see the SMP Calendar: http://www.rismp.org/calendar/

SMP FINAL EVENT CELEBRATION!

November 17, 4:30-7:30pm, Coastal Institute Building, URI Bay Campus

Please mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the completion of the SMP! Come celebrate the hard work that is going into crafting the SMP and share thanks to all who made it possible. There will be an awards reception, an agency Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony, shellfish art and appetizers, and lots of opportunities to mingle with peers, supporters and funders. All are welcome! Event information to follow.

RECENT PRESS – Articles include:

“Delaware models new aquaculture program after RI CRMC.” -RI CRMC

“Humble, Hard-Working Quahog Keeps RI Running. “ - EcoRI

See more at the archives on http://www.rismp.org/news/

RI Coastal Resources Management Council