Governor, congressional delegation and DEM Director Coit say no to oil and gas leases

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced last month the next steps for developing the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024. The program proposes to make over 90 percent of the total Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) acreage, and more than 98 percent of undiscovered technically recoverable oil and gas resources in federal offshore areas, available to consider for future exploration and development.

By comparison, the current program puts 94 percent of the OCS off limits. In addition, the program proposes the largest number of lease sales in U.S. history.

The Draft Proposed Program (DPP) has been highly criticized by national conservation groups and here in Rhode Island by Save The Bay, the Audubon Society and the Conservation Law Foundation to name a few. As recreational fishers, it is important that we make every effort to understand what impact oil and gas leasing could have on our fish and fish habitat.
There is a public meeting the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is holding on Feb. 28 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Providence Marriott, One Orms Street, Providence. Anglers should attend to hear what is planned and express their concerns about the proposed oil and gas leases off our shore.

In the meantime, Governor Raimondo along with other east coast governors, both republicans and democrats, have voiced their objection to granting oil and gas leases off our coast.

Last Monday at a URI Bay Campus meeting Governor Raimondo, Senator Whitehouse, Congressmen Langevin and Cicilline, DEM Director Coit, URI oceans and fisheries academics as well as the fishing community all planned to take an active stand against the offshore drilling proposal.

Governor Gina Raimondo said, “Look out this window.” as she pointed to the west passage of the Bay with Dutch Island and Jamestown in the background. “We’re not going to put this at risk. The Bay and the ocean with commercial and recreational fishing and tourism in Rhode Island is a big part of our economy. We want to send a message to the administration that we will not allow drilling off our coastline,” said Raimondo.

Comments on the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program are also being taken online at https://www.boem.gov/National-Program-Comment/.

House Marina makes Top 100 Dealers list

I love it when a plan comes together. Such was the case with Ocean House Marina, Charlestown and their president Rob Lyons. Earlier this month Boating Industry magazine honored his company welcoming them to their Top 100 Dealers list.
Boating Industry magazine said, “From interior and exterior facility renovations, the introduction of new business systems, the development and training of staff and Ocean House Marina’s best year since 2007 all worked together to earn them a spot on the Top 100 Dealers list.” 

When I saw Rob Lyons at the Providence Boat Show I asked how things were going he shared details on the award and the steps he and his team took to enhance the business to earn them the award. “Our renovated facilities are working out well and we’re very proud to make the Top 100 Dealers list.” Ocean House Marina is the first locally owned Rhode Island dealership to receive this recognition. As the name suggests, only 100 dealers throughout North America are selected for this recognition.

Ocean House Marina sells new and used boats, has a boat service center, a retail store and marina. They represent such boat lines as Scout, Regulator, Maritime Boats, Hurricane, Rossiter, Sanpan, Sweetwater and more.

“We sell a boat and hopefully have a customer for life.” said Lyons. Sounds like a great business strategy to me. Congratulations to Rob and the team at Ocean House Marina.

Captain Dave Monti has been fishing and shellfishing for over 40 years. He holds a captain’s master license and a charter fishing license. He is a RISAA board member, a member of the RI Party & Charter Boat Association and a member of the RI Marine Fisheries Council. Contact or forward fishing news and photos to Capt. Dave at dmontifish@verizon.net or visit his website at www.noflukefishing.com.