RI Shellfish Management Plan
The URI Coastal Resources Center and RI Sea Grant, in collaboration with multiple partners, facilitated the creation of the Rhode Island Shellfish Management Plan (SMP) for the state. This document provides comprehensive policy guidance regarding management and protection measures for shellfish, such as quahogs and oysters, located in state marine waters. The effort involved multiple state agencies, including the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council, which manages aquaculture leasing, and the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM), which manages shellfish in state waters. It also engaged stakeholders in identifying policies and practices to restore shellfish resources and enhance the economic vitality of the shellfishing industry. Beginning in January 2013, project leaders worked with the wild harvest, aquaculture, and restoration communities to define priority areas and begin tackling some of these issues and a final draft was presented in November 2014.
RI Shellfish Management Plan Volume I & II
RI Shellfish Management Plan Volume I (2014)
RI Shellfish Management Plan Volume II Appendices (2014)
Rhode Island’s Shellfish Heritage: An Ecological History
Written by Sarah Schumann
Grew out of the 2014 R.I. Shellfish Management Plan, which was the first such plan created for the state under the auspices of the R.I. Department of Environmental Management and the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council. This book delves into the history of Rhode Island’s iconic oysters, quahogs, and all the well-known and lesser-known species in between. It offers the perspectives of those who catch, grow, and sell shellfish, as well as of those who produce wampum, sculpture, and books with shellfish — particularly quahogs — as their medium or inspiration.
This book may be picked up free from the Rhode Island Sea Grant office, or learn how to get your free copy shipped directly to you (shipping charges apply).
RI SMP Project Partners:
RI Department of Environmental Management.
RI Coastal Resources Management Council
Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program
Roger Williams University
URI Coastal Resources Center
URI Coastal Institute
RI SMP Project Funders
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Rhode Island Foundation
Prospect Hill Foundation
Sharpe Family Foundation/Henry and Peggy Sharpe
van Beuren Charitable Foundation
RI SMP Coordinating Team
Jennifer McCann, Director of U.S. Coastal Programs, URI Coastal Resources Center
Azure Cygler, Fisheries & Aquaculture Extension, URI Coastal Resources Center / Rhode Island Sea Grant
Dale Leavitt, Associate Professor, Roger Williams University
Ken Ayars, Chief, Division of Agriculture, RI Department of Environmental Management
Cathy White, Department of Health
Bryan DeAngelis, The Nature Conservancy
Mike McGiveney, President, Rhode Island Shellfishermen’s Association
Lou Fratterelli, Shellfisherman, East Bay
Robert Rheault, President, East Coast Shellfish Grower’s Association
Dave Beutel, Aquaculture Coordinator, RI Coastal Resources Management Council
Jason McNamee, Deputy Chief, Fish & Wildlife, RI Department of Environmental Management
Roger Tellier, Rhode Island Salt Water Angler’s Association
**If you would like to learn more please checkout our RI SMP Videos or Project Document pages.