Ocean Zone News Blog

Source: Governor of Rhode Island

Completion of First-in-the-Nation Ocean Special Area Management Plan will drive location of offshore wind projects in the region.

Governor Donald L. Carcieri joined US Senator Jack Reed, Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed, URI Graduate School of Oceanography Dean David Farmer, CRMC Chairman Michael Tikoian and RI Economic Development Corporation Director Keith Stokes at a press conference to celebrate the completion and adoption of the first-in-the-nation Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP).

Using the best available science and working with well-informed and committed resource users, researchers, environmental and civic organizations, and local, state and federal government agencies, the SAMP provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex and rich ecosystem of the state’s offshore resources.

From Naure Conservancy Press Release:

New publication urges action – and offers solutions – to protect and manage marine resources

NAGOYA, JAPAN — October 19, 2010 —With only one per cent of world’s oceans under protection, countries are far behind the 10 percent target promised for 2010, compared to the 13% they have achieved on land. A new report released today (download) shows that the exploitation risks for oceans are far higher than previously estimated — and that countries around the world are falling far behind on their promises to protect them.

BOEM addresses issues raised by District Court in appeal over lease sale EIS

In response to a July order by the U.S. District Court for Alaska, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement has issued a draft supplemental environmental impact statement for the 2008 Chukchi Sea outer continental shelf lease sale. The supplemental EIS addresses what the District Court had identified as deficiencies in the original lease sale EIS.

The new document supports the holding of the 2008 lease sale but, in announcing the document’s publication, BOEM Director Michael Bromwich expressed caution regarding his agency’s future policy towards oil and gas development in the Alaska offshore.

From: Fishnewseu.com

EUROPEAN Commissioner Maria Damanaki heard recently from a range of marine interests on the need for an approach to marine spatial planning that strikes the right balance between coordinating competing offshore activities, whilst at the same time avoiding adding  further complex layers of bureaucracy.

According to the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO), it was clear that she saw the arrival of marine spatial planning as vital but difficult, and beset by jurisdictional issues between the Commission and member states.

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Business/Industry, Tourism, Community-at-Large: Tutuila East Side, and Youth. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve 3-year terms, pursuant to the council’s charter.

Applications are due by October 29, 2010.