SAVE THE DATE: Come Celebrate the Launch of the Updating of the Ocean SAMP!

Please join Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography/Coastal Resources Center and Rhode Island Sea Grant for the official kickoff to update the Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (Ocean SAMP).

As many of you know, the 2007 – 2010 Ocean SAMP process placed Rhode Islanders in the driver’s seat to better understand how we use this offshore resource and why it is important biologically, culturally, and socially. The Ocean SAMP is also key to ensuring that the siting and development of the Block Island Winds Farm has the least amount of impact upon, and provides the greatest benefits to, our natural resources and people.

When we developed the Ocean SAMP, we stated that five years after adoption the State would do a comprehensive review and update of the plan. Well, here we are!!

This initial update phase will focus on recreation, commercial fisheries, maritime commerce, and natural resources. We will be coordinating closely with the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) to ensure that the information we collect in Rhode Island is not only integrated into the Ocean SAMP update, but it is also a significant component to the regional ocean planning initiative.

As always, this stakeholder event is open to all and will update everyone on how we will be moving forward with the update and how you can be involved. We will also answer any questions you may have.

We hope you can come!

Pizza will be served, so please RSVP by April 9 to oceansamp@etal.uri.edu