Description: This data layer indicates recreational scuba diving sites within the area covered by the Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (Ocean SAMP). This data layer was developed from May 2009 - August 2009 and updated in 2015. Data were collected from interviews and mapping exercises conducted with charter dive boat captains. In each interview, charter boat captains were first given a brief introduction to the RI Ocean SAMP planning process and shown NOAA nautical charts of the SAMP area. Researchers then asked the captains to mark points generally representing the dive sites visited during chartered trips. Following these meeting, the dive sites were converted into GPS positions which were then used to create a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) shapefile. It should be noted that this dataset does not include all shipwrecks or dive sites within the SAMP area, and that this dataset includes primarily boat-based diving sites, not dive sites that can be accessed from shore.
Description: This data layer indicates popular sailing areas within the area covered by the Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (Ocean SAMP) and Narragansett Bay. This data layer was developed from May 2015 - June 2015. Data were collected through interviews and mapping exercises conducted with sailboat racing stakeholders and race organizers. In each interview, stakeholders were first given a brief introduction to the RI Ocean SAMP planning process and shown NOAA nautical charts of the SAMP area. Researchers then asked the organizers to identify races that take place within the SAMP area and to indicate areas of high-intensity use.. This information was used to determine the typical course or courses for each race, which were recorded and digitized as lines or polygons to create Geographic Information Systems (GIS) shapefiles. It should be noted that these data layers do not include all sailboat races that take place in the area, and that race courses may change from year to year.
Copyright Text: RI OceanSAMP, RI CRMC, URI CEC, SeaPlan