To The editor:

In response to the ongoing discussion of aquaculture on the Sakonnet River, I would like to add my observations. My family has lived on the Sakonnet River in Little Compton for almost 33 years and has a keen interest in the ongoing debate over public access. I own a building company that builds 80 percent of our projects on direct waterfront so I am familiar with CRMC regulations.

About four years ago I took an amazing course in oyster farming at RWU taught by David Leavitt. I thought it might be fun to grow oysters right in front of my house but for now I am content to watch Peter Melanson tend to his 2-3 acre oyster farm a little further down. I also enjoy watching the many fishermen wade out to fish off Almy’s Creek, adjacent to the oyster farm. Town Way provides access to the river for the many kayakers and kite boarders that navigate easily through the farm.

As the state legislature finds its way to more public access to the seashore, I’m confused as to how anyone can pass through the hundred of feet of man-made seawall and riprap designed to protect the many houses built in the floodplain; not to mention the two jetties that create a convenient mooring field. Are we going to need to raise these structures as the water level continues to rise?

Language reaffirmed at the 1986 Constitutional Convention provided the privileges of the shore included “fishing from the shore, the gathering of seaweed, leaving the shore to swim and passage along the shore” (Rhode Island State Constitution Oxford University Press 2011).

I have never observed anyone unable to use the river as a result of Mr. Melanson’s farm. I’m curious as to how, exactly, Mr. Bowen’s farm would deny public access or use of the water off Seapowet Avenue as defined in the RI Constitution, unlike the riprap, seawalls and jetties that were manufactured by the home owners, along the same roadway and do just that.

Bruce E. Eddy

Little Compton