1. Ocean planning
in the Northeast
U.S.
Ronald C. Baird Sea Grant
Symposium
Providence, RI
May 16, 2012

2. National Ocean Policy
• Framework
Regions develop plans
Data/science‐based
Public engagement

3. National Ocean Policy

4. 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

5. Northeast Regional Ocean Council
• Starting now:
– Data, science focus
– Extensive public
engagement
• Build on recent efforts
in MA, RI

6. Northeast Regional Ocean Council
• Northeast data portal:
www.northeastoceandata.org

7. Northeast Regional Ocean Council
Data
• Address known gaps (boating,
commercial fishing)
• Good way to directly engage key
constituencies
• Additional human activities
(shipping) and jurisdictions
• Natural resources/ecosystem

8. 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

9. What are What’s the
What are the issues? opportunities to outcome?
improve decision‐ (What’s a
making? Plan?)
Some form of
Data/science/ Assess
data/maps,
tools/engage‐
ment
+ existing
procedures
= goals,
implementation,
etc.
What’s the appetite of the people involved ?

10. Thank you
For more information:
John Weber
jweber@northeastoceancouncil.org
617.875.1377