Rhode Island's aquaculture permitting process has been the subject of much discussion and controversy in recent years, as many stakeholders have felt that the current process gives short shrift to concerns of local residents and users, instead prioritizing the growth and development of the aquaculture industry at the expense of recreational users.

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RICAC submitted the following letter to the Special Commission studying possible CRMC reforms. The letter, part of the official record of the Commission's hearings, details our responses to CRMC's suggested improvements to the aquaculture permitting process.