Rhode Island Sea Grant

Ecosystem Based Management

The Sustainable Coastal Communities Extension Program works with the state coastal planning and regulatory agency, the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council, on developing Special Area Management Plans (SAMPs) for coastal ecosystems throughout the state. These plans are created with participation from the public and other state and federal agencies as appropriate. An approved SAMP carries the weight of federal consistency, meaning that federal, as well as local and state, policies must align with the policies outlined in the SAMP.

What is a SAMP?

A SAMP is a management plan for an ecosystem that comprehensively addresses the area's resources, user needs, and issues of concern. It takes into account not only natural resources but economic and cultural resources as well. A SAMP provides a look at the present status of the area, characterizes its natural attributes and resources, describes current uses, identifies and reviews existing and future use conflicts, and presents policies and recommendations to wisely manage the area for this and future generations.

Examples of current or recent SAMPs include the R.I. Ocean SAMP, the Aquidneck Island SAMP, the Greenwich Bay SAMP, and the Metro Bay SAMP.