Post on 01-Jul-2015
Ocean planning in the Northeast
U.S.
Ronald C. Baird Sea Grant Symposium
Providence, RIMay 16, 2012
National Ocean Policy
• Framework Regions develop plans
Data/science‐based
Public engagement
National Ocean Policy
Northeast Regional Ocean Council
• Formed in 2005 • New England states, federal agencies
• Premise is: better information (including public engagement) results in smarter, more efficient decision‐making
Northeast Regional Ocean Council
• Starting now: – Data, science focus– Extensive public engagement
• Build on recent efforts in MA, RI
Northeast Regional Ocean Council• Northeast data portal: www.northeastoceandata.org
Northeast Regional Ocean CouncilData• Address known gaps (boating, commercial fishing)• Good way to directly engage key constituencies
• Additional human activities (shipping) and jurisdictions
• Natural resources/ecosystem
Northeast Regional Ocean Council
• Engagement: THIS IS VITAL• Energy
• Wind• Tidal• Infrastructure• Other—export of natural gas?
• Maritime commerce• Short sea? Post‐PC deepening?
• Aquaculture• Natural resources
+Some form of data/maps, goals, implementation, etc.
What’s the appetite of the people involved ?
Data/science/tools/engage‐ment
=Assess existing procedures
What are the issues?What are opportunities to improve decision‐making?
What’s the outcome? (What’s a Plan?)
For more information:
John Weberjweber@northeastoceancouncil.org
617.875.1377
Thank you