Mayor Scott Avedisian, along with Warwick Sewer Authority (WSA) Director Janine Burke-Wells, City Council President Donna Travis, and representatives from New England Water Environment Association and the Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association will hold a press conference and boat tour today to tout a $5,000 grant to help facilitate the Greenwich Bay Oyster Seeding Project. The press conference will be held at noon at Greenwich Bay Brewers Marina, 252 2nd Point Road.

In October 2015, the WSA announced that the Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association was the recipient of a 2015 New England Water Environment Association’s (NEWEA) Humanitarian Assistance Grant. The $2,500 grant went towards the Shellfisherman’s project entitled- Greenwich Bay Oyster Seeding Project. The WSA sponsored the grant submission and contributed $2,500 in matching funds as they continue to support environmental partners’ efforts with aquaculture enhancement and preservation of Narragansett Bay.

The Greenwich Bay Oyster Seeding Project brings together volunteers from the RI Shellfisherman’s Association, in collaboration with Roger Williams University and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Fish and Wildlife Division, to purchase and grow half a million oyster seeds and plant them in Greenwich Bay off Oakland Beach in Warwick for eventual harvesting by recreational and commercial shellfishers. 

The project will have numerous benefits including water quality improvements.  Oysters are filter feeders that help clean the water as they grow.  Oakland Beach is a public swimming beach that has experienced numerous closures in recent years despite continuing elimination of cesspools in the area.

 “I’m extremely pleased of the hard work and dedication that has gone into the preservation of Narragansett Bay,” Mayor Scott Avedisian said in a statement. “The WSA staff’s commitment to our community and to our waters is truly admirable. This latest achievement highlights WSA’s triumphs in education and the promotion of clean water initiatives, as well as their vested interest in our partners.” 

“The Warwick Sewer Authority is happy to support the RI Shellfisherman’s Association and the oyster seeding project,” said WSA Chairman Peter Ginaitt.  “Our shared goal of improving water quality in Narragansett Bay is reflected in our activities both on land and in the water. 

“Proper wastewater treatment is a critical component of a clean water economy.”