Rhode Island aquaculture farms surpassed wild harvest landing values in 2017 and is a major contributor of the RI Blue Economy. The "Advancing Smart and Sustainable Aquaculture Growth in Rhode Island" project aimed to: 1) Enhance the state’s aquaculture permitting process through the implementation of the Rhode Island Narragansett Bay Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) Aquaculture Element (AE), and 2) Continue to advance sustainable aquaculture practices and priorities of the state’s industry by boosting communications while capacity building within the RI aquaculture community. Activities involving the permitting process included enhancing online resources for a streamlined permitting experience to support industry and government efforts; building the capacity of RI aquaculture stakeholders to make use of science-based information, tools, and learning opportunities so they can competently and confidently participate in Bay SAMP-AE dialogue and decision-making; and provide technical support to the RI Coastal Resources Management Council to ensure effective and efficient adoption and implementation of Bay SAMP recommendations.
Project activities to advance aquaculture practices and priorities of the industry included engagement of stakeholders in understanding and applying best management practices for floating aquaculture gear, a permitting website with resources for potential and current farmers as well as coastal towns. Aquaculture webinars through the Bay SAMP: AE were used to reach participants locally and regionally. Webinar topics included aquaculture management, conflict resolution, seaweed aquaculture and a resource round up for the local industry organization. This presentation will share the results of this effort and how the outputs are being used today.