Description

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Ports on the Frontline: Protecting Rhode Island’s Economy from Rising Seas

Blue & You Series: Session 2

Rhode Island’s ports are the beating heart of our coastal economy—moving cargo through Providence, importing cars and ship building at Quonset, and landing fresh seafood in Galilee. But as sea levels rise, these critical hubs face growing risks from flooding, storm surge, and infrastructure strain.

Join local leaders, businesses, port operators, ocean experts for a conversation about how Rhode Island can adapt its working waterfronts to a changing climate using science and technology – all while balancing economic growth, community resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Attendees will hear from a panel of RI-based waterfront industry professionals and have time for Q&A and networking.

Dr. Austin Becker – Professor & Chair of Marine Affairs and Director of the Graduate Certificate in Coastal Resilience at University of Rhode Island

Ted Williams – President of Senesco Marine

Chris Waterson – President & CEO of ProvPort / Waterson Terminal Services

Dr. Josh Humberston – Founder & CEO of Coastal Measures

The panel will be moderated by Meredith Haas, Science Communications & Digital Media Lead for Rhode Island Sea Grant and Pathways to Innovation & Entrepreneurship (PIE-D) Co-Lead for RISE-UP.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Port workers and operators, ship/port crew, coastal tradespeople, and community stakeholders.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Discussion and insights related to ports and the economic impacts of sea level rise

Exploration of / connection over common challenges and concerns

Networking with peers and resources

COST: FREE!