Aquapalooza prompts precautionary closure of shellfish area

With more than 1,000 boats expected to gather off Prudence Island this weekend, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is taking a precautionary measure to protect the area’s shellfish habitat.

A 700-acre area of shellfish grounds will be closed from sunrise on July 27 until sunrise on August 3. This includes the area from Providence Point to the northwest extension of Warner Avenue on the north end of the island.

DEM says in a press release that the closure is necessary to prevent sewage from being accidentally or illicitly discharged from the hundreds of boats that will be in the area for the Aquapalooza gathering. Although most recreational boaters follow the state’s “No Discharge” law, the high concentration of boats in such a small area increases the chances of sewage being discharged into shellfish waters.

“With so many boats concentrated in such a small area for hours, federal and state public health guidance requires that the shellfish harvest area, which includes Potter’s Cove and adjacent waters, be closed to protect public health,” the DEM said in a statement.

The DEM also noted that approximately 40,000 boats are registered in Rhode Island, and a total of more than 600,000 gallons of sewage was pumped out of coastal waters last year.

The shellfish harvesting areas are also subject to regular monitoring to ensure the quality of the shellfish that is harvested and entering the food system. The DEM said it will continue to monitor the water quality and shellfish harvesting areas to ensure that only quality seafood is allowed to be harvested and consumed.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.