Regional ocean planning: giving all ocean users a seat at the table.

• Position: OCEAN CONSERVATION

When it comes to important decisions affecting our oceans, CLF is working on a way to give everyone a voice. Regional ocean planning is a process that brings together all our ocean stakeholders--from fishermen to whale watchers, from beachgoers to renewable energy developers--to help us figure out how to share the ocean sustainably. This process helps all New Englanders use and enjoy our ocean and coasts while making sure we protect ocean wildlife and habitats and maintain the benefits these resources provide for us all.

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The National Ocean Policy is an important framework that requires all federal agencies to work together better. CLF is using that process in New England to bring together conservation allies as well as fishermen, clean energy advocates, the shipping industry, and recreational users to advocate for a regional ocean plan that is committed to protecting our ocean and coasts, that relies on our best scientific and economic data, and that promotes sustainable development of our ocean economy.

Already, New England is a leader in regional ocean planning. In early 2009 Massachusetts released its comprehensive Ocean Management Plan, the first of its kind in the country. In 2010, Rhode Island pushed us further forward with its Ocean Special Area Management Plan. These plans will help balance the protection of vulnerable marine wildlife and habitats with responsible ocean use, including a framework to promote offshore renewable energy development.

We know ocean planning works. Shipping lanes into and out of Boston Harbor were successfully re-routed to decrease accidental, harmful collisions of ships and whales. Meanwhile, both the Massachusetts and Rhode Island ocean plans include detailed siting and performance standards that will help streamline offshore wind energy development.

CLF is actively promoting regional ocean planning, because better planning will help us ensure that our oceans and coasts are healthy, that rare ocean wildlife are protected and recovering, that renewable energy growth is not at the expense of our important marine ecosystems, and that, most importantly, we all have a say in how our ocean resources are used.

HIGHLIGHTS

* CLF strongly supports the National Ocean Policy, which calls for a series of coordinated actions to protect ocean habitat and wildlife, reduce coastal pollution, promote the responsible development of offshore renewable energy, and ensure a sustainable future for our...