Memorandum of Agreement between the RIDEM and CRMC
Please find attached the newly signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) “Concerning the inspection of aquaculture farms for the purpose of ensuring food safety, public health, and enforcement of RIDEM’s Aquaculture of Marine Species in Rhode Island Waters.”
Over the last few years, the aquaculture industry, as well as CRMC and DEM, have recognized the need for a memo of understanding between both agencies concerning aquaculture activities. While CRMC generally conducts and oversees inspection of aquaculture operations in the state, the formal authority has been with DEM to perform these inspections. Both agencies and industry acknowledged that CRMC has been the recognized, capable, and practicing inspection authority and with urgings and support from DEM Division of Agriculture, the MOA was signed in October 2014, giving CRMC designated status on behalf of DEM to perform lease inspections in Rhode Island.
This MOA signifies a willingness and ability to achieve cross-agency collaboration, agency responsiveness to the needs of the industry, and overall an improved and more efficient way of doing business. Congratulations to all involved.
SMP Team