About SPC
Salt Ponds Coalition (SPC) is the oldest continuously operating volunteer marine water-quality monitoring program in the nation. Salt Ponds Coalition was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in 1985 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
The salt ponds of southern Rhode Island are a regional treasure, which support diverse wildlife as well as public recreation and local property values. They contribute substantial revenues to two of Rhode Island's largest industries: tourism and fisheries.
The ponds remain a vital part of our region, yet they have suffered a great loss of species and habitat diversity. Thirty years ago they supported healthy populations of scallops, oysters, flounder, eels and blue crab. Today, these species are greatly diminished and in the case of oysters and scallops all but gone.
SPC conducts ongoing water-quality surveys, public outreach programs and works to focus legislative and regulatory attention on protecting these valuable resources. We spearhead land preservation and habitat restoration projects and partner with other groups to achieve results.
