PORTSMOUTH — A Little Compton aquaculturist is seeking state approval for a 3-acre shellfish farm in the Sakonnet River off Portsmouth, where he proposes raising Eastern oysters and bay scallops using a combination of floating and submerged equipment.

Rhody Raw Bar & Events LLC, owned by Malcolm Bowen, has applied to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council for a lease near Black Point along the western shore of the lower Sakonnet. The proposed farm would sit more than 500 feet offshore and measure roughly 450 feet east to west by 300 feet north to south. 

Bowen, who works as an aquaculture extension specialist and field operations manager at Roger Williams University, said in his application that he has nearly a decade of aquaculture experience. He also operates an experimental research farm and other shellfish research and restoration sites through the university. The proposed Rhody Raw Bar operation would be an independent commercial venture, according to the application. 

The farm would be divided into two sections. On the western side, four 300-foot longlines would each hold 15 oyster cages resting on the bottom. On the eastern side, 15 approximately 300-foot longlines would support as many as 250 low-profile floating baskets apiece — up to 3,750 baskets altogether. Lantern nets could also be used to grow bay scallops. 

Bowen projects the farm could eventually produce as many as 300,000 shellfish annually. 

The operation would be maintained nearly daily and year-round, weather permitting, with the heaviest activity in the summer. Work such as rotating baskets and sorting oysters would be limited to daylight hours, according to the application. Bowen plans to base his vessel and other operations at Sakonnet Harbor in Little Compton rather than on the Portsmouth shoreline. 

The application says the site was chosen in part because it is outside the main navigation channel and in an area with relatively little recreational and commercial fishing. The nearest private dock is listed as about 848 feet away, while Sandy Point, the closest public shoreline access identified in the application, is about 1.25 miles north. 

The submerged western portion would remain open to boats and recreational fishing above it. Boats and paddlers, however, would have to travel around the floating longlines on the eastern portion. Bowen argues the floating baskets, which rise only a few inches above the water, would have minimal effect on views from shore. 

Cleared by Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard reviewed the proposal and concluded it does not appear to increase impacts to navigation safety. The Little Compton Harbor Commission also submitted a letter supporting the application, saying Sakonnet Harbor can accommodate the farm's logistical and vessel needs. 

Bowen's application contends the farm could provide environmental benefits as well, including improved water quality from oyster filtration and additional habitat around the cages. It says no dredging, shoreline construction or chemical treatments are proposed. 

CRMC issued public notice of the application Sept. 16. Anyone seeking a hearing or wishing to protest the proposal must submit a written request to CRMC by Oct. 16. Those requesting a hearing must provide a mailing address, email address and valid contact number.