What is the Grow Blue Partnership?

What is the structure?

Core partners deliberated and determined that a two-phase approach to launching the
Grow Blue Partnership was the most optimal.

Phase 1

Grow Blue Partnership will launch with an independent Advisory Board and staffed as an initiative of the URI Research Foundation. The Advisory Board will include a diverse group of industry and community leaders representing the interests of all Rhode Islanders. 
Launching an Advisory Board supported by the URI Research Foundation will require the Foundation to secure new funding in order to support a two-year effort to transition the initial Board into a new independent non-profit organization for the future. These funds should support an estimated 2.5 FTE staffing level that will include a Project Lead, Coordinator and Communications/logistics support.
They will also support the continued industry liaison role being led by the URI Coastal Resource Center.

Phase 2

The current plan envisions that the Grow Blue Partnership will evolve into a separate nonprofit organization. The establishment of a separate nonprofit organization will allow for an increased level of service and an increase in impact potential. Centralizing this work in a dedicated organization will allow for the eventual execution of some of the recommended actions that currently lack an existing lead organization and will take time to develop.

What Are the Values?

Our partnership addresses critical aspects of ocean sustainability through targeted initiatives and collaborative programs.

Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive

Ensure the opportunity to access Blue Economy benefits is available to all, with a recognition of the need to eliminate barriers, build trust, and listen to the input of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

Interdisciplinary

While taking pride in our “small state” status, our size requires us to foster collaboration and leverage resources in order to realize an oversized impact.

Intentional

As we focus on connecting our communities with our Blue Economy assets and defined actions, we must work collaboratively to identify and pursue key resources from outside and within the state.

Advocacy

Supporting fishing communities through innovative management approaches.

Sustainable Fisheries

Promoting responsible fishing practices and  supporting fishing communities through innovative management approaches.