Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 650 - Coastal Resources Management Council › Chapter 20 - Coastal Management Program › Subchapter 05 - Ocean Special Area Management Plan › Part 2 - RICRMP: Ocean SAMP - Chapter 2 - Ecology (650-RICR-20-05-2) › Section 650-RICR-20-05-2.3 - Policies and Standards (formerly Section 270)

Current through June 14, 2024
2.3.1
General Policies (formerly §270.1)
A. The Council recognizes that the
				  preservation and restoration of ecological systems shall be the primary guiding
				  principle upon which environmental alteration of coastal resources will be
				  measured. Proposed activities shall be designed to avoid impacts and, where
				  unavoidable impacts may occur, those impacts shall be minimized and
				  mitigated.
B. As the Ocean SAMP is
				  an extension and refinement of CRMC's policies for Type 4 Multipurpose Waters
				  as described in the RICRMP, CRMC will encourage a balance among the diverse
				  activities, both traditional and future water dependent uses, while preserving
				  and restoring the ecological systems.
C. The Council recognizes that while all fish
				  habitat is important, spawning and nursery areas are especially critical in
				  providing shelter for these species during the most vulnerable stages of their
				  life cycles. The Council will ensure that proposed activities shall be designed
				  to avoid impacts to these sensitive habitats, and where unavoidable impacts may
				  occur, those impacts shall be minimized and mitigated. In addition, the Council
				  will give consideration to habitat used by Species of Concern as defined by the
				  NMFS Office of Protected Resources.
D. Because the Ocean SAMP is located at the
				  convergence of two eco-regions and therefore more susceptible to change, the
				  Council will work with partner federal and state agencies, research
				  institutions, and environmental organizations to carefully manage this area,
				  especially as it relates to the projected effects of global climate change on
				  this rich ecosystem.
E. The Council
				  shall appoint a standing Habitat Advisory Board (HAB) which shall provide
				  advice to the Council on the ecological function, restoration and protection of
				  the marine resources and habitats in the Ocean SAMP area and on the siting,
				  construction, and operation of off shore development in the Ocean SAMP study
				  area The HAB shall also provide advice on scientific research and its
				  application to the Ocean SAMP. The HAB is an advisory body to the Council and
				  does not supplant any authority of any federal or state agency responsible for
				  the conservation and restoration of marine habitats. The HAB shall be comprised
				  of nine members, five representing marine research institutions with experience
				  in the Ocean SAMP study area and surrounding waters, and four representing
				  environmental non-governmental organizations that maintain a focus on Rhode
				  Island. HAB members shall serve four-year terms and shall serve no more than
				  two consecutive terms. The Council shall provide to the HAB a semi-annual
				  status report on Ocean SAMP area marine resources and habitat-related issues
				  and adaptive management of projects in the Ocean SAMP planning area, including
				  but not limited to: protection and restoration of marine resources and
				  habitats, cumulative impacts, climate change, environmental review criteria,
				  siting and performance standards, and marine resources and habitat mitigation
				  and monitoring. The Council shall notify the HAB in writing concerning any
				  project in the Ocean SAMP area. The HAB shall meet not less than semi-annually
				  with the Fishermen's Advisory Board and on an as-needed basis to provide the
				  Council with advice on protection and restoration of marine resources and
				  habitats in the Ocean SAMP areas and potential adverse impacts on marine
				  resources and habitat posed by proposed projects reviewed by the Council. The
				  HAB may also meet regularly to discuss issues related to the latest science of
				  ecosystem-based management in the marine environment and new information
				  relevant to the management of the Ocean SAMP planning area. In addition the HAB
				  may aid the Council and its staff in developing and implementing a research
				  agenda. As new information becomes available and the scientific understanding
				  of the Ocean SAMP planning area evolves, the HAB may identify new areas with
				  unique or fragile physical features, important natural habitats, or areas of
				  high natural productivity for designation by the Council as Areas of Particular
				  Concern or Areas Designated for Preservation.