Review Process
In reviewing the 2021 ocean plan, EEA and the OAC and SAC will consider newly available data and information relating to the uses and resources of the Ocean Management Planning Area (PDF, 5 MB) (planning area). The review will begin with an assessment of the performance and impact of the 2021 ocean plan, and with a search for any newly available science and data characterizing the planning area.
The review process will include a thorough assessment of progress toward the Science and Data Priorities laid out in the 2021 plan, and of any changes to the resources and uses located in and/or affecting the planning area. A key component of the review will be an evaluation of the management framework’s effectiveness in achieving the objectives of the Oceans Act of 2008. Much of this initial review will be conducted by seven technical working groups led by EEA agencies and consisting of experts with relevant knowledge of topics including: protected habitats, fish and fisheries resources, sediment and geological resources, cultural and recreational resources, energy and other marine infrastructure, ocean technology and innovation, and other human uses including marine transportation. CZM will lead the development of the formal review document for EEA in consultation with the OAC and SAC.
Update or Amendment Process
The ocean plan regulations (301 CMR 28.00) allow for periodic “updates” or “amendments” to the ocean plan. Updates are minor revisions necessary for the effective and efficient administration of the ocean plan and include clarifications of the management framework or administration, updated geospatial data related to special, sensitive, or unique (SSU) areas or protected water-dependent uses (WDUs), and minor shifts in management area boundaries. Amendments are more significant changes and include the creation of new management areas or significant boundary changes; the creation of new, or substantial revision to, existing management standards; and the identification of new, or the removal of existing, SSU resources or WDUs. Amendments require scoping coordination between the EEA Secretary, Ocean Advisory Commission, and Ocean Science Advisory Council; a 60-day comment period; public hearings; filing of the amended ocean plan with the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate clerks; and any necessary revisions to the ocean plan regulations. The ocean plan review process informs whether an ocean plan update or amendment is warranted.
Review History
In response to the Oceans Act of 2008, EEA issued the original Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan in 2009. The Oceans Act requires EEA to review the ocean plan at least once every five years, and CZM leads the review process. The Review of the 2009 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan (PDF, 3 MB) was completed in January 2014, which called for an ocean plan amendment leading to the 2015 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan. The Review of the 2015 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan (PDF, 3 MB) was completed in 2020, which also called for an amendment resulting in the current 2021 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan. Review of the 2021 ocean plan began in 2025 and is expected to call for a plan amendment.
Engagement Opportunities
The first meeting of the OAC and SAC will be held on February 2, 2026, at the CZM office at 100 Cambridge Street in Boston and on Zoom. Meeting information including an agenda will be posted to this page when it is available.
Stay Informed
The 2021 ocean plan is now undergoing review. To receive email notifications about current and future ocean plan reviews, updates, and amendments, please send a blank email (please be sure that the email is completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-oceanplan@listserv.state.ma.us. For additional information about the ocean plan, contact CZM at hollie.e.emery@mass.gov.