Welcome |
 On behalf of the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), I welcome you to the Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) web site. This site is intended to involve you in offshore zoning issues and encourage you to participate in the Ocean SAMP effort—a public process focused on enhancing economic, environmental, and social policy.
This SAMP will be the largest the Council has taken on, and will expand Rhode Island's existing water sheet zoning. The CRMC has been zoning the state's waters since 1983, for uses ranging from conservation areas to industrial ports, and this SAMP will refine those designations for the state's offshore areas. This SAMP will be the seventh developed by the Council. Research projects undertaken by University of Rhode Island scientists will provide the essential scientific basis for Ocean SAMP policy development. These projects will assess marine transport, critical habitats for fish, marine animals and birds, geology, meteorology, and more and will be complemented by an extensive stakeholder process. Along with URI, its Coastal Resources Center and Rhode Island Sea Grant, and Roger Williams University, the CRMC will complete a draft zoning map and regulatory standards for guiding future management of these offshore waters for public review and comment. One of the objectives that will be identified through the SAMP process is siting possible areas for alternative energy. Using the best available science, along with public input and involvement, the CRMC hopes to identify areas most suitable for these renewable energy zones where other offshore uses will not be compromised. I invite you to explore this web site, join the list serve, and participate in future meetings and opportunities to shape the Ocean SAMP. Please feel free to contact the Ocean SAMP staff—and we all look forward to engaging with you in this exciting and critical process for the citizens of Rhode Island. Sincerely, Michael M. Tikoian Chairman, R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council |
