Public Forum: How Fisheries Are Adapting To Changes in Narragansett Bay

Rhode Island Public Radio’s Environmental Reporter, Ambar Espinoza will host a public forum and conversation on the changing fisheries in Narragansett Bay.

The water in Narragansett Bay is becoming warmer. Resident fish are moving away while migrant fish are moving in. How are commercial fisher men and women adapting to these changes? How are these changes challenging the way we manage our fisheries? What does this changing catch mean for the types of seafood we will find in restaurants and at market countertops?

Date: Thursday, October 9, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Rhode Island Foundation, 1 Union Station, Providence RI

Guests:
Captain Denny Ingram – Commercial Lobster Fisherman
Jeremy Collie – Professor of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island
Mark Gibson – Deputy Chief for Marine Fisheries, RI Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Environmental Management (DEM)
Bob Rheault – Executive Director for the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Oceanographer and Shell Fisherman
Perry Raso – owner of the Matunuck Oyster Bar and Coastal Pond Farmer

Topics of discussion: What was it like fishing in the bay in previous decades compared to today? How are commercial fisher men and women adapting in order to stay in business and what challenges are they facing in making those adaptations? What is the state doing to manage the changing fisheries? Who eats the fish that are caught in Rhode Island?

Because the forum will be broadcast live, attendees will be required to be seated no later than 6:55. The event is free, but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, please contact Karen Knisely: 401-351-2800, kknisely@ripr.org