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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM ANNOUNCES TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS TO REVIEW RUSSIAN FISH-PROCESSING SHIP PROPOSAL PROVIDENCE - The request by Mayflower International Ltd. to anchor a Russian-flagged fish processing vessel in Rhode Island waters this winter will be the subject of two upcoming public meetings conducted by the Department of Environmental Management.The first meeting will be on Monday, November 4 at 7 p.m. at the Jamestown public library, 26 North Main Rd., Jamestown. The second meeting will be on Wednesday, November 13 at 7 p.m. at the North Kingstown High School, which is on Fairway Drive just off of Boston Neck Road. Mayflower International is seeking the state's permission to allow the 400-foot M/V Dauriya to return to Rhode Island waters to participate in joint venture commercial fishing operations with local fishermen. The M/V Dauriya was one of three foreign fish processing vessels that participated in similar operations last year while anchored in the west passage of Narragansett Bay. The joint venture operations are important to local fishermen because there is no local capacity to process herring and mackerel, which are typically found in large numbers off southern New England in the winter. Because of the relatively strong foreign market for these species, there is strong foreign interest in purchasing them from local fishermen, then exporting them overseas. Thus, the operations have the effect of substantially increasing economic activity in the state by allowing local fishermen to harvest and sell species that would otherwise go unharvested. Last year's operations resulted in almost $2 million in direct revenues generated by the purchase of the fish. DEM has been coordinating with the US Coast Guard, the RI Pilot's Association, and local officials regarding the best location to anchor the M/V Dauriya if the application is approved. The anchorage just south of the Jamestown Bridge remains a top consideration. The possibility of berthing the vessel at Quonset/Davisville is also being considered. At both of the upcoming meetings, representatives from Mayflower International and DEM will review the proposal and discuss the various anchorage and berthing options that are being considered. The public will then be invited to ask questions and offer comments. After the meetings, DEM will issue a recommendation to the Governor, who will then render a final decision on the application. -30- |
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