CRMC to conduct invasives monitoring

May 3, 2011, WAKEFIELD – The R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) is seeking volunteers to participate in a marine aquatic invasive species monitoring initiative in Narragansett Bay and other coastal water bodies throughout the state. Volunteer monitors will receive training in aquatic invasive species identification and monitoring protocols. Training sessions are tentatively scheduled for the end of May.

The RI Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan (RIAIS Plan), which the Council adopted in January 2008, is the first comprehensive effort to assess the impacts and threats of aquatic invasive species in Rhode Island. It outlines a series of management strategies intended to prevent the introduction and curb the spread of aquatic invasive species. The plan, developed and implemented on the state level by the CRMC, prioritizes state agency leadership for action, continuation of current research on the risks of various transport vectors, coordination with industry to minimize invasions, development of a regional web page and database on AIS distribution and education initiatives.

For more information on the volunteer initiative, contact Kevin Cute at CRMC at 783-3370 or kcute@crmc.ri.gov.