2015 International Marine Spatial Planning Symposium: Sharing Practical Solutions at University of Rhode Island, featuring CRMC’s Grover Fugate

The five wind turbines Deepwater Wind is installing off the Block Island coast are one of the most visible outcomes of a two-year marine spatial planning process developed by the CRMC, the RI Ocean Special Management Plan (or Ocean SAMP).

Deepwater Wind CEO Jeffrey Grybowski was one of a group of speakers, including several experts in the realms of ocean development, research, planning, and policymaking who participated in the SeaGrant Ronald C. Baird "2015 International Marine Spatial Planning Symposium: Sharing Practical Solutions."

"Rhode Island's pioneering marine spatial planning work has helped to pave the way for America's first offshore wind energy project, the Block Island Wind Farm. Smart, transparent, and inclusive planning is essential to the offshore wind energy industry," Grybowski says. He spoke about the importance of the Ocean SAMP and its stakeholder process to the location and development of the wind farm.

The all-day event provided participants with information on the state of marine spatial planning locally and around the world. CRMC's Executive Director Grover Fugate spoke about the Ocean SAMP process, specifically the importance of the open stakeholder process and the need for open communication throughout with special interest and industry groups like the fishing industry.

Listen to more from Fugate at right.