05-R 368

2005 -- S 1228

Enacted 07/01/05

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT TO UNDERTAKE A STUDY OF ALL ASPECTS OF THE TAKING OF SHELLFISH WITH THE USE OF DIVING/BREATHING APPARATUS IN SALT PONDS

Introduced By: Senator V. Susan Sosnowski

Date Introduced: July 01, 2005

     WHEREAS, Salt ponds are resources with high residential, multi-use recreational, scenic,

open space and ecological value; and

     WHEREAS, Many diverse parties use and enjoy salt ponds, with the consequence that

conflicts between uses can impair such enjoyment; and

     WHEREAS, The special area management plan adopted by the Rhode Island Coastal

Resources Management Council finds that "the small size of the ponds, their high productivity,

and their accessibility make them particularly vulnerable to misuse and over-exploitation"; and

     WHEREAS, The special area management plan states: "All shellfish areas in the salt

ponds are shellfish management areas and as such are high priority for protection"; and

     WHEREAS, Conflicts in use and enjoyment and potential over-fishing are serious issues;

and

     WHEREAS, The Department of Environmental Management has responsibility for the

management of fisheries, including shellfishing; and

     WHEREAS, The taking of shellfish with the use of diving/breathing apparatus, including,

but not limited to, SCUBA equipment, has engendered significant, persistent controversy in

certain salt ponds and areas thereof; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby respectfully requests

the Department of Environmental Management to study all aspects of the taking of shellfish with

the use of diving/breathing apparatus in salt ponds, with the study to commence not later than

August 15, 2005, with a public scoping session with regard to issues that should be considered in

the study, and to conclude on or before March 15, 2006, with findings, conclusions, and

recommendations, as appropriate, issued by the director; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to His Excellency Donald L. Carcieri, Governor,

and to Dr. W. Michael Sullivan, Director of the Department of Environmental Management.

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LC03671

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