Massachusetts Ocean Plan Overview
The Bay State’s 1,500-mile coastline and rich ocean waters have shaped our history, economy, and cultural identity. Historically, the ocean has supported recreational activity and tourism, fishing and shellfishing, shipping and trade, scientific research, and many other endeavors. More recent ocean uses in Massachusetts include aquaculture, liquid natural gas (LNG) facilities, and high-speed ferries—and with our growing national energy crisis, we are now looking to the ocean for a sustainable source of wind and wave energy. 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.
On May 28, Governor Deval Patrick, with the support of House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi and Senate President Therese Murray, signed the Oceans Act of 2008, which stipulates:
- Comprehensive Management of Natural Resources - For the first time in any state, comprehensive science-based planning will be used to assure long-term protection and sustainable use of ocean resources.
- An 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.
- An 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.
- Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Jurisdiction - The jurisdiction of DMF is not altered; the Oceans Act explicitly states that the oceans plan is not intended to alter fisheries policy.
- Appropriately Scaled Renewables - The Ocean Sanctuaries Act is amended to allow for the siting of “appropriate scale” offshore renewable energy facilities in state waters, except for the Cape Cod Ocean Sanctuary (offshore from the Cape Cod National Seashore on the Outer Cape), provided that facilities are consistent with the 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.
Secretary Bowles has appointed Deerin Babb-Brott to lead development of the ocean plan and oversee the ongoing work of the Office of Coastal Zone Management as Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Coastal Zone Management. Babb-Brott has 18 years of experience in coastal management and environmental impact review. For the past three years, he has served as Assistant Secretary and Director of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office, where he has managed the environmental review and public comment process associated with major development projects in the Commonwealth. Before joining MEPA, he worked for 13 years in the Office of Coastal Zone Management, serving most recently as the Assistant Director for Planning and Coastal Development.
On August 13, the 17-member Ocean Advisory Commission, charged with advising Secretary Bowles as he oversees development of a first-in-the-nation comprehensive management plan, was convened and held its first meeting.
Over the next few months, the following steps will be taken to develop the ocean plan:
- A series of public input sessions will be scheduled in coastal and inland communities. This input will help inform the conceptual framework of the ocean plan.
- Agency work groups will acquire and analyze existing data and information regarding ocean resources.
- The Ocean Advisory Commission and Science Advisory Council will continue their work and provide assistance to the Secretary.
This information provided by The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.