Aquaculture & Fisheries
Rhode Island’s Fisheries Industry – An Economic and Cultural Pillar
The commercial fisheries industry includes the harvesting and processing of fish and shellfish as well as support businesses and organizations, contributing $419.33 million (total effect) to the state’s economy and over 4,300 jobs.
Challenges Facing the Sector
The sector has been hit hard by:
Fish catch quotas and restrictions
Impacts of climate change (ocean acidification, temperature changes causing species to move elsewhere)
Micro-plastics
Offshore wind farm development
Collectively, these challenges make it difficult for businesses to plan for the future.
Opportunities and Ongoing Efforts
Despite challenges, Rhode Island has opportunities to:
Promote consumption of local seafood by civic organizations and industry
Conduct research to identify cost-effective techniques for processing more seafood
“I got into my work and it just became so clear to me how devoted fishermen are to their efforts, to their industry, and to the ocean. They’re sort of the last cowboys, and I just have so much admiration for what they do—it’s noble and dangerous and wild. So, I’m working to help solve some of the problems they’re up against, ocean issues that are really everyone’s issues.”
– Jason McNamee, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Aquaculture – One of the State’s Fastest Growing Sectors
Aquaculture has shown consistent growth, with a 4.7% farm gate increase in 2018, including 76 farms and 319.3 acres in production. Interest in lease opportunities continues to expand.
Value and Jobs
Value
$5.77 million
Jobs
194
Characteristics and Environmental Benefits
Aquaculture is considered a low-impact green industry, farming oysters, mussels, and seaweed.
Oysters filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, helping to keep waters clean.
Rhode Island is investing in job training to ensure local farms have a qualified workforce.
The state is also investigating the potential of open-water farming in Narragansett Bay.
