R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-10-5: Procedures for approval.

(a) Upon submission of a completed application to the CRMC, the CRMC shall notify the director, the MFC and any other parties that the CRMC may by regulation designate.

(b) No application shall be approved by the CRMC or a permit granted prior to the consideration of recommendations by both the director and the MFC.

(c) The director shall review the application to determine whether the aquaculture activities proposed in the application are:

(1) Not likely to cause an adverse effect on the marine life adjacent to the area to be subject to the permit and the waters of the state;

(2) Not likely to have an adverse effect on the continued vitality of indigenous fisheries of the state.

(d) The MFC shall review the application to determine whether the aquaculture activities proposed in the application are consistent with competing uses engaged in the exploitation of the marine fisheries.

(e) The approval by the CRMC shall be subject to any public hearings, consistent with chapter 35 of title 42, that it may require.