Green Oceans Rhode Island: Where Our Mission Began
Green Oceans is a national nonprofit dedicated to preserving the ocean from industrialization and ecological degradation.
Founded in Rhode Island in response to the rapid expansion of offshore wind development, Green Oceans has grown into a coast-to-coast network of citizens, scientists, and advocates working to protect marine life, fisheries, and ecosystems from poorly considered industrial projects. While we are often referred to as “Green Oceans Rhode Island” due to our roots in the state, our mission and impact extend far beyond New England.
Why Rhode Island and Coxes Ledge Matter
Rhode Island was the first state to aggressively pursue offshore wind energy projects in federal waters. In January 2023, Green Oceans formed in response to the failure of state and federal agencies to adequately consider the environmental risks of these projects—risks that include:
Destruction of benthic habitat, which threatens bottom-dwelling species and long-standing fishing grounds. A healthy ocean starts from the bottom up.
Biofouling of turbine monopiles, which can deplete phytoplankton and harm the base of the ocean food web.
Wind-wake disruption of ocean currents, with unknown impacts on regional climate, nutrient mixing, and fish migration.
Sound pollution: adding discordant and disturbing sound, both to the human and marine environment can induce a stress response, and in some cases even cause death.
Nowhere is this threat more visible than at Coxes Ledge, one of the most ecologically important fishing grounds off the southern New England coast. This biologically rich area is now targeted by multiple offshore wind projects. We advocate for the protection of Coxes Ledge from destructive industrialization.
Our Commitment
National Scope
Since our founding, Green Oceans has expanded to address similar risks along the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and Pacific coasts. We have filed legal actions, published scientific reviews, and engaged in public policy advocacy across multiple states.
Rhode Island remains an important hub for our work. But our name—Green Oceans—reflects our commitment to ocean protection everywhere, not just in one state.
Correcting the Record
In 2023, a report from Brown University, amplified by ecoRI News, mischaracterized our mission and methods. We strongly reject those claims. As we outlined in our official rebuttal, the report contains factual errors, lacks peer review, and failed to consider our cited scientific sources and public legal filings.
We remain committed to honest, science-driven advocacy, and we welcome open dialogue with academic and government partners alike.
Highlights of Our Work in Rhode Island
Filed public comments on Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind, and Sunrise Wind
Advocated for the protection of Coxes Ledge’s benthic ecosystems
Partnered with local fishermen and scientists to monitor ecological changes
Raised awareness of right whale mortality linked to offshore development
Submitted legal petitions under the Clean Water Act, ESA, and OCSLA
We continue to engage in outreach, litigation, and scientific review based in Rhode Island and beyond.
If you are a resident, scientist, or stakeholder in Rhode Island and want to get involved, contact us or follow our work online. Together, we can protect our oceans from top to bottom—starting with the seafloor and expanding outward.