Conference Committee Advances First in the Nation Comprehensive Ocean Planning Bill for State Waters
Massachusetts Ocean Coalition applauds Legislature's leadership on bill to balance commercial and recreational activities with conservation

May 14, 2008

Media Contacts: Tom McCann

Boston, MA - Today, a House and Senate conference committee released its updated language of the Massachusetts Ocean Act, setting the stage for passage of a first in the nation comprehensive management plan for the Bay State’s ocean territory.

The Act, which is expected to gain final approval from the House and Senate in the coming week, ends decades of ad hoc decision making by placing oversight, coordination, and planning authority of ocean resources with the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. This authority would be exercised through an ocean management plan as advised by an ocean management commission, including state agency representatives, state legislators, municipal officials, and environmental, fishing, and marine industry stakeholders. Most importantly, the legislation provides for a balanced and coordinated plan for growth.

The ocean is the economic backbone of Massachusetts’ coastal communities and a critical part of our quality of life. The Bay State’s coastline and state ocean waters support 152,000 jobs, generate $4.3 billion in income each year for the Commonwealth, and provide countless recreational opportunities, but current laws are not equipped to handle the new and growing demands being placed on our ocean. The Massachusetts Ocean Act will help the state balance commercial and recreational activities with protection of critical underwater ecosystems.

For more information including maps, public polling data and fact sheets visit: http://www.massoceanaction.org/

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