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When the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) called for volunteers to reinstate a state fishing advisory panel, Jim Riggs, a 75-year-old recreational fisherman and retired electrician from Westerly, took the initiative despite warnings from a former panel member.
“In fishery management, you’re either part of the decision-making process or you’re sidelined. I’d much rather be involved,” Riggs stated, emphasizing the importance of having a voice in these discussions.
Riggs secured his spot as one of nine new members appointed to the Fishermen’s Advisory Board (FAB) on April 8, after the previous members resigned collectively in August 2023, citing dissatisfaction over what they perceived as the CRMC’s alignment with offshore wind developers at the expense of local fishing interests.
This new panel faces immediate challenges as negotiations begin with SouthCoast Wind, which seeks permission to install transmission lines from its wind turbines through the Sakonnet River to Mount Hope Bay.
Rich Hittinger, who was a member of the former FAB and spearheaded the mass resignation, expresses skepticism about the panel’s potential impact. He recalls a time when their extensive input on applications largely went unnoticed.
“In the past, we put in a lot of effort, but ultimately, it felt like our perspectives were disregarded by the council,” Hittinger remarked, reiterating his concerns over the CRMC’s structure, which he believes remains unchanged.
Marisa Desautel, an attorney who has previously represented the FAB in negotiations, shares a similar sentiment, noting there has been no change in policy since her involvement. However, she remains open to representing the new advisory panel if requested.
The CRMC’s Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) mandates that fishing representatives provide input on substantial offshore developments. The intention is to mitigate adverse effects on fishing habitats by advising on project sites and operational plans, and to seek compensation for potential losses incurred by fishermen due to these projects.
Nevertheless, the scope of CRMC’s authority is constrained by federal regulations, as the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management primarily dictates project locations and planning. This dynamic raises questions about how effectively the FAB can advocate for local fishermen against the backdrop of powerful stakeholders.
Jeffrey Willis, the CRMC’s executive director, acknowledges past limitations faced by the FAB. The sentiment of a disproportionate influence between local citizens and large-scale developers was echoed by former deputy director Jim Boyd, who had spent over two decades with the CRMC. Boyd noted the imbalance in representation and decision-making power.
David vs. Goliath
While Rhode Island regulators may not be able to alter federal policies regarding offshore leasing, they aim to streamline the advisory process by minimizing the time commitment expected of FAB members, which previously led to exhaustion and disengagement.
“Participants in the earlier FAB were overly invested and left feeling ignored. We’re trying to avoid that situation,” Willis explains. However, he admits that calculating compensation for fishermen remains a complex and challenging conversation.
The newly appointed members are preparing to tackle these intricate issues as discussions regarding the 147-turbine SouthCoast Wind project commence. The CRMC had previously approved a general framework for the project, allowing power lines to run through Rhode Island’s marine territory toward Massachusetts, encroaching upon local fishing areas.
Notably, the earlier advisory board had already disbanded before any dialogue on compensatory measures could take place. The CRMC is currently assessing a separate permit application for the underwater cables associated with SouthCoast Wind, with a meeting between developers, CRMC officials, and the new FAB planned in the near future.
Boyd emphasizes a significant shift in focus since the SAMP’s inception, suggesting that while previous planning mainly considered offshore impacts, the proximity of the SouthCoast project necessitates increased inshore representation.
SouthCoast Wind has expressed support for the renewal of the FAB, looking forward to engaging with the new members as the permitting process unfolds.
Volunteers Rise to the Occasion
Willis initially sought participants from local fishing organizations, but after those avenues yielded little interest, he pivoted to broader outreach, resulting in 12 applicants. He was heartened by the response, considering the previous advisory board’s tumultuous history.
Among the new appointees, Riggs stands out, noting the positive impact of underwater structures from wind installations on fish populations, which he views as beneficial for both the environment and local fisheries.
“These structures can enhance fish habitats and lead to better catches for us,” he remarked, expressing a hopeful outlook regarding the potential benefits of renewable energy projects.
As a conservationist, Riggs hopes his insights and commitment to protecting the ocean ecosystem will contribute positively to the ongoing discourse surrounding offshore wind development. Other panel applicants displayed similar intentions to safeguard Rhode Island’s coastal environment, as detailed in their submissions to the CRMC.
The agency’s regulations allow for a maximum of 20 members on the FAB, ensuring diverse representation from various fishing interests and sectors. All applicants who moved forward in the selection process were approved, except for one who withdrew prior to finalization.
Half of the new board members are tied to the fishing industry, with backgrounds ranging from military service to environmental education. This diverse expertise promises to bring a well-rounded perspective to discussions about the future of fishing and renewable energy in Rhode Island waters.
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