Roger Williams University Unveils New Marine Sciences Facilities, Celebrates Contributions to Region

BRISTOL, RI (11/15/2010)(readMedia)-- In a dedication ceremony held at its Bristol campus this morning, Roger Williams University celebrated the rebirth of its Marine and Natural Sciences Building, which now features the Luther H. Blount Shellfish Hatchery – the only such facility in Rhode Island – as well as an Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory, one of only two in New England.

In unveiling the expanded and renovated facilities, University President Ronald O. Champagne, Ph.D., and researchers from the RWU Center for Economic and Environmental Development honored key supporters of both the building itself and the wide variety of aquaculture and marine science initiatives the new facility will allow to thrive. Those supporters include:

• U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), who has long been committed to marine conservation, secured critical federal support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and has been a devoted champion of industry-relevant aquaculture as a way to create local employment opportunities and preserve the integrity of Rhode Island's natural environment;

• the late Luther H. Blount – who pursued oyster cultivation since the 1970s and provided essential resources for RWU's continuing work in oyster restoration – and the entire Blount family, who continue to generously support the University's aquaculture efforts through the Narragansett Bay Shellfish Restoration Foundation;

• and Roger Williams marine biology alumnus William J. Geraghty '78 and his wife, Kathleen Lynch, who provided key support for the building's expansion – specifically, the creation of an observation lobby for visitors to view the inner workings of aquaculture science.

Speakers for the event included President Champagne; Dr. Timothy Scott, director of the Center for Economic and Environmental Development; and Julie Blount, daughter of Luther Blount and executive vice president at Blount Boats. A ribbon cutting marked the official debut of the new facilities, and marine sciences students from RWU guided guests on tours of the Luther H. Blount Shellfish Hatchery, the Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory and other research spaces in the Marine and Natural Sciences Building.

While Sen. Reed was unable to attend, he offered the following remarks before the event: "Sustainable aquaculture is good for the environment and good for our economy. These new facilities will help researchers answer critical questions and allow continued growth and development of Rhode Island's aquaculture industry," said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), a member of the Appropriations Committee who secured over $3.5 million for this initiative since 2002. "The talented team of marine science experts at Roger Williams have offered their invaluable expertise since day one, and these state-of-the-art research and restoration facilities will allow the University to extend its commitment even further."

In celebrating the new facilities, President Champagne cited more than a decade of CEED work to generate new knowledge and techniques to reinvigorate Rhode Island's native shellfish populations and to advance the understanding of marine ornamental aquaculture as a foundation for potential economic benefits in the region.

"Today is a moment to showcase our very best work," President Champagne said. "Roger Williams University is proud to play such a prominent role in Rhode Island's strategic effort to become a globally recognized leader in the development of sustainable, ecological aquaculture. We owe our sincere gratitude to Sen. Reed, the entire Blount family and to Mr. and Mrs. Geraghty."

Dr. Scott commended the wide range of participants for the community-oriented approach toward aquaculture work in Rhode Island. Under the umbrella of the Rhode Island Aquaculture Initiative – managed by the Coastal Resources Management Council since Sen. Reed secured $1.5 million in federal appropriations in 2002 – the joint efforts have included participation from government, academia (RWU and the University of Rhode Island) and other organizations such as the New England Aquarium and the Rhode Island Shellfisherman's Association.

"The very mission of CEED outlines our commitment toward creating sustainable economic development in Rhode Island along with the improved integrity of our natural environment," Dr. Scott said. "The Luther H. Blount Shellfish Hatchery and the Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory are unique, specialized facilities that for years to come will provide homes for the endeavors of our students and faculty in applied aquaculture science."

Construction on both the new facilities – an expansion to the original Marine and Natural Sciences building – as well as renovations to other spaces began in 2008 and concluded in the first months of the current academic year. The Luther H. Blount Shellfish Hatchery will provide a home for CEED's extensive efforts to rejuvenate the state's shellfish population after years of decline due to disease and polluted waters. The Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory will offer space for disease testing and treatment of aquatic animals, an area in which there is a growing need for disease screening, diagnostic services and treatment options.

The RWU Center for Economic and Environmental Development dates back to 1997, when the late Mark Gould, a faculty member at Roger Williams, established the Center through a $2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. CEED was created to promote the environmentally sustainable development of marine and maritime industries in Rhode Island with a particular emphasis on aquaculture.

As part of its shellfish restoration efforts, more than four million oysters and six million quahogs have been planted in Rhode Island waters to date. In 2009, the Center's collaboration with the New England Aquarium resulted in the first successful captive rearing of the queen triggerfish, a threatened species that is valued both for food and for ornamental fish hobbyists.

About RWU: Roger Williams University is a leading independent, coeducational liberal arts university at which students live and learn to be global citizens. With 41 academic programs and an array of co-curricular activities on its Bristol, R.I., campus, RWU is committed to its mantra of learning to bridge the world. In the last decade, the University has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes and continues to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top ten educational institutions in its class.

Posted Monday November 15, 2010 at 11:00 am by Roger Williams University
Last Updated Tuesday November 16, 2010 at 11:06 am