“Determining appropriate and sustainable uses of the Commonwealth’s coastal and ocean resources is an important priority for Governor Patrick.  I commend the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for funding a public/private partnership to work on this important topic.  I look forward to a fruitful partnership with the Massachusetts Ocean Partnership.” 

- Ian Bowles, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

The Oceans Act of 2008 Signed into Law:

History was recently made concerning Massachusetts’ state waters.  On May 28, 2008, Governor Deval Patrick signed landmark legislation which was specifically crafted to more effectively manage the vital ocean ecosystems that are so critical to Massachusetts’ maritime heritage and economic viability. The Commonwealth’s first-in-the-nation, statewide comprehensive ocean planning law, mandates the development of an integrated ocean management plan for Massachusetts’ state waters by December 31, 2009.  What makes the “Oceans Act” unique is that it requires a balancing among uses –including offshore renewable energy development, fishing, maritime shipping, recreation, conservation and others–  through consideration of stakeholder needs and scientific principles. 

Governor Patrick speaks about the importance of the Oceans Act bill.

The Massachusetts Ocean Partnership (MOP) was established to support just this sort of process and we look forward to collaborating with the State and our other partners on this pioneering undertaking.  As an independent public-private partnership among government, industry, conservation and scientific interests, MOP brings resources and technical assistance to advance stakeholder-informed, science-based integrated ocean management.  MOP will support the state’s and broader partnership needs through our role as a convener of and credible broker among diverse ocean interests and by improving the integration of sound natural and social science into ocean management planning.

MOP stands ready to assist the Commonwealth and our partners in developing the first statewide integrated ocean management plan that will:

• integrate management across sectors, ecosystem resources, and agencies;
• be based on credible scientific principles;
• reflect public input and gain support of major affected groups;
• be adaptive to changing conditions; and, ultimately
• support thriving, sustainable marine industries and healthy ocean ecosystems.

A diverse array of organizations, agencies and associations have already partnered with MOP and, now with the clock ticking, we look forward to reaching out to additional groups with ocean interests in the coming weeks.   If you have any comments, questions, or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Oceans Act of 2008:

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw08/sl080114.htm

Secretary of Energy and Environment Ian Bowles speaks at the Oceans Act announcement.

<back to top>