It’s disappointing that in the many months the Bowens’ application has been in review, they still don’t realize that communication is key, most of all, honest communication. 

To ignore the time and effort CRMC members and local officials are putting forth to develop improvements in the aquaculture application process is closed minded. These improvements stemmed from the Bowens’ lack of communication and avoidance of informing those most affected – the local abutters and users. The lack of public comment on a location utilized by so many has created the situation they are in today.

The Bowens’ impertinent request of CRMC to “not offer undue deference to the whims of a fortunate few,” and their repeated notions that the objectors are wealthy is mere speculation and ignorance, not knowing the generations of working class families located here or the public who frequent the beach weekly; these are the folks who have the most to lose. The Bowens continue to mislead the public through statements such as this and fail to understand why so many are against, not them, but the location they want to claim. 

The users of Seapowet are not “elite” as the Bowens claim. They are community members who value the wildlife management area for its unique beauty and as a respite from their busy lives. People come to fish, hunt, shellfish, kayak, swim, hike and teach the next generations to appreciate and care for this amazing space.  

Seapowet’s waters are held in trust for the public. When these waters may be leased to a commercial venture, the public deserves to be notified, engaged, and have their interests protected. The Bowens argue the notification process doesn’t need fixing, but a resolution to improve the notification process, recently approved by the Town Council, makes it clear that Tiverton does not agree. 

The remedy to this conflict is to move the proposed location, which will favor the majority, hundreds of existing users, rather than accommodating the few with self-serving motives of personal profit. These users are from a variety of backgrounds and economic means, including groups like the RI Canoe and Kayak Association and the RI Saltwater Angler Association, and over 200 community members – who have come forward to rally against the use of this location.

Like many, I am not against aquaculture or the applicants, I am for aquaculture, but in the appropriate location.  The water around Seapowet is Type 1, pristine and clean. There are no issues with excess nutrients and therefore no justification or a need to invade the area with commercial oyster cages.  The Bowens’ urgency to speed up the process is merely to make gains on their hefty investment.

Readers should note the irony as the Bowens’ cite concerns that East Bay coastal properties are being “purchased at exorbitant prices” and “boxing out generations of people who have grown up in these towns,” when in fact that is what they are doing. They purchased a strip of waterfront land beyond market value that only the wealthy could afford, to profit from an oyster farm yet to be approved; boxing out the everyday person from access to waterways their families have enjoyed for generations. Clearly the “whim” of a fortunate few.

Diane Sanna
Tiverton