Rhode Island Sea Grant

Learn about best practices for buyouts and managed retreat from flood-prone areas in our story on this workshop. Thanks to the Marine Affairs Institute for hosting and our partners at the Coastal Resources Center!

Thanks to Alexandra Tamburrino, Marine Affairs Institute/Rhode Island Sea Grant Legal Program staff attorney, for her excellent presentation on alternatives to broad emergency shellfish area closures. Buzzards Bay shellfish harvesting areas were closed for 210 days last year due to combined sewer overflows prompting emergency closures. But the oysters from one of the farms in those areas "have never, ever tested above the threshold level [for contamination]. We've not even come close to the threshold level,” said one grower. Tamburrino found that Rhode Island's approach to managing shellfish harvesting areas in the Providence River using a Conditional Area Management Plan, or CAMP, could be a model for Massachusetts to follow. https://lnkd.in/erFhqZNt

Rhode Island Sea Grant is pleased to support University of Rhode Island Landscape Architecture and Ocean Engineering senior capstone classes that address real concerns for coastal communities. This year's capstone project looks at Mackerel Cove Beach and adjacent Beavertail Road in Jamestown. Students are looking at creative solutions to protect the road from washover and flooding as well as preserve the beach. They recently held a public event in Jamestown Town Hall to present initial research and solicit feedback and ideas from Jamestown residents. They will present their final designs in April.

Rhode Island Sea Grant is seeking public comments for our 5-year program review by the National Sea Grant College Program. https://lnkd.in/d5c6ekjG

Proud of our home institution and the many stellar researchers who have helped URI achieve this recognition!

Former Rhode Island Sea Grant Legal Program/Marine Affairs Institute Research Attorney Chris Perrett is finishing up his year as a Knauss Fellow at the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System, a Federal maritime policy coordinating committee consisting of fourteen Cabinet Secretaries and chaired by the Secretary of Transportation. Perrett had an eventful year, being?heavily involved in interagency coordination for Arctic transport, maritime innovation, and offshore marine transportation policy projects.?He has helped update and publish national guidance on munitions in federal waters, connected with tribal leaders from Alaska Native corporations on a Bering Sea task force, and planned and hosted the Fifth Annual U.S. Federal Roundtable on Maritime Autonomous and Automated Technologies in the Marine Transportation System, which is a gathering of federal agencies to discuss their work with autonomous vessels and vessel systems, along with current and future challenges. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/esSkJiQi

Rhode Island Sea Grant has issued its 2026-2028 research RFP. Research should focus on topics related to Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, and/or Resilient Communities and Economies, and research should take place primarily within Rhode Island and/or Rhode Island state waters and adjacent federal waters. We encourage participation of researchers at institutions and organizations across Rhode Island and southern New England. Eligible institutions include universities, two- or four-year college programs, museums, research laboratories, or other nonprofit or tribal institutions. State government offices and municipalities are also welcome to apply for this funding opportunity. An informational meeting will be held January 13 at 2PM EST. Learn more about this RFP and/or register for the informational meeting at: https://lnkd.in/eN2DqtyK

NOAA's Office for Coastal Management announces its two-year fellowship opportunity that places graduate students with state coastal programs for on-the-job education and training opportunities in coastal resource management and policy, while the fellows provide project assistance to the programs. Interested students from Rhode Island universities should contact Kim Ohnemus for more information and to apply ([email protected]). https://lnkd.in/ePdKQg_i

Rhode Island Sea Grant is hosting Sea Urchin Farming in New England. Make sure to attend it on December 4.

Dive into Sea Urchin Farming in New England!? ? Sea urchin roe (uni) is a delicacy in high demand, selling for up to $60/pound! With wild stocks under pressure, Rhode Island and Maine researchers are exploring sea urchin farming as a sustainable solution for aquaculture innovation and marine ecosystem health.? ? ?? Why Sea Urchins?? ? ?? Meet global demand for uni ? ?? Reduce maintenance costs ? ?? Support sustainable aquaculture ? ? ?? Join Us!? Learn about the latest research and initiatives to advance sea urchin aquaculture in New England. ? ? ?? When: Dec. 4 | 4–6 PM? ?? Where: Online?