Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 650 - Coastal Resources Management Council
Chapter 20 - Coastal Management Program
Subchapter 05 - Ocean Special Area Management Plan
Part 11 - RICRMP: OCEAN SAMP - CHAPTER 11 - POLICIES OF THE OCEAN SAMP (650-RICR-20-05-11)
Section 650-RICR-20-05-11.7 - Applying Adaptive Management to Implement the Ocean SAMP

Universal Citation: 650 RI Code of Rules 20 05 11.7

Current through September 18, 2024

A. Since its inception in 1971, the CRMC has managed Rhode Island's coastal waters using an adaptive management approach. Adaptive management is a systematic process for continually improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of previous policies and practices. Adaptive management requires careful implementation, monitoring, evaluation of results, and adjustment of objectives and practices. To this end, CRMC will establish several mechanisms to ensure that the Ocean SAMP is implemented using this management approach.

B. CRMC will develop and implement the Ocean SAMP science research agenda, in coordination with the Ocean SAMP researchers, federal, state, and local government and other parties, to improve management policies and practices. The Ocean SAMP science research agenda will allow CRMC to:

1. Continue to learn about Rhode Island's offshore natural resources and human activities;

2. Better understand the potential effects of future development and other human impacts; and

3. Increase Rhode Island's understanding of the projected impacts of global climate change. To develop the science research agenda, the Council will put together an advisory group including scientists, partner federal and state agencies, environmental organizations, and users of the Ocean SAMP area. This group will help the Council to identify data gaps, short-and long-term research priorities, potential partners, and potential funding sources.

C. A progress assessment and monitoring process by CRMC will be established with the purpose of assessing progress towards achieving the Ocean SAMP goals, objectives, and principles. This process will record decisions, capture lessons learned, note achievements, and document policy and management adaptations. This process will be ongoing, available on the project web site, and formally reported to the public on a biannual basis.

D. The Council will develop a work plan that will guide the proactive management of the Ocean SAMP region and implement the Ocean SAMP goals:

1. Foster a properly functioning ecosystem that is both ecologically sound and economically beneficial;

2. Promote and enhance existing uses;

3. Encourage marine-based economic development that meets the aspirations of local communities and is consistent with and complementary to the state's overall economic development, social, and environmental needs and goals; and

4. Build a framework for coordinated decision-making between state and federal management agencies. Major components of this work plan include the Ocean SAMP science research agenda, the progress assessment and monitoring process, stakeholder involvement and education, and implementation of Ocean SAMP policies and recommendations.

E. Although the Ocean SAMP may be amended through an administrative process, the CRMC will conduct a major review of the Ocean SAMP document every five years from adoption. CRMC will implement this revision process using the principles honored during the development of the Ocean SAMP, including involving stakeholders and basing all decisions on the best available science. For more information on the Ocean SAMP principles, see Chapter 1, Introduction.

F. The Council will establish a mechanism to ensure that the public continues to be engaged in the implementation of the Ocean SAMP. The Ocean SAMP public forum will be held biannually. The public forum will feature reports and discussions of the Ocean SAMP condition and use, note progress toward goals and objectives, and recognize contributions to implementing the Ocean SAMP. The forum will highlight projects underway, report on the progress assessment and monitoring process and science research agenda, including new research findings and updated global climate change projections, and provide opportunities for exchanging information, ideas, and strategies to strengthen implementation. The forum will address emerging issues and identify potential Ocean SAMP revisions. The Council will use this information to prepare its work plan. The forum may be followed up by other Ocean SAMP meetings that provide continuing opportunities to discuss progress, focus on specific issues, and coordinate ongoing actions by member groups. The public forum will be supported by the Ocean SAMP website and information systems maintained by Rhode Island Sea Grant and CRMC.

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