Massachusetts Ocean Plan
The Oceans Act requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to develop a comprehensive ocean management plan, following a scientific and stakeholder process that leads to a draft plan by summer of 2009, and the final promulgation of the plan by December 31, 2009.
DRAFT Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan
The Oceans Act of 2008 requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to develop a comprehensive ocean management plan, following a scientific and stakeholder process that leads to a draft plan by June 30, 2009, and the final promulgation of the plan by December 31, 2009. This web page provides links to the draft plan, all maps and figures, and techical reports written to support plan development. For a printed copy of the draft plan, please email your request to czm@state.ma.us
Massachusetts Ocean Plan Overview
The Oceans Act requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to develop a comprehensive ocean management plan, following a scientific and stakeholder process that leads to a draft plan by summer of 2009, and the final promulgation of the plan by December 31, 2009.
Until recently, management of ocean resources has been piecemeal - not only in Massachusetts, but nationwide. The tide is turning, however, with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts announcing a first-in-the-nation effort to develop a comprehensive ocean management plan.Public Input for The Ocean Plan
The Oceans Act of 2008 "launches an unprecedented opportunity for civic engagement in deciding the future of our state waters," said Governor Patrick. "Public hearings up and down the coast will ensure that all interests and resources at stake in the use of our ocean waters will be taken into consideration and put in proper context."
Ocean Planning Technical Materials
As the ocean management plan development process continues, draft material and final products will be posted to this web-site.
Ocean Advisory Commission
A 17-member commission will advise the Secretary as the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in developing the ocean plan. The commission will include State Legislators, agency heads, representatives from a commercial fishing organization and an environmental organization, an expert in the development of offshore renewable energy, and representatives from the coastal Regional Planning Agencies.
Note: the Ocean Advisory Commission will be convening two public workshops on May 2 (in Falmouth) and May 6 (Boston). The workshops will provide the public an opportunity to review and comment on preliminary spatial analysis of ocean planning data and conceptual management measures. Please register today!Ocean Science Advisory Council
The Secretary will also receive assistance from a council of nine scientists who have expertise in marine sciences and data management.
Background on Oceans Planning
In 2003, the Massachusetts Ocean Management Task Force was launched to develop recommendations on a comprehensive approach to managing ocean resources. Released in 2004, these recommendations helped form the foundation for the Oceans Act of 2008, which was signed by Governor Deval Patrick on May 28.