When we look out to the blue horizon, the ocean seems like a calm, vast space. But what we see on the surface of the water is deceiving — the ocean is alive with activity and it is crowded with wildlife and industrial uses. Like urban sprawl on land, the demand for space in our oceans and on our coasts is growing. New renewable energy and aquaculture facilities, commercial fishing, recreation, offshore drilling and shipping are all competing for space, and our demands continue to grow. Our ocean is getting crowded at a time when it is vulnerable to major changes.
August 24, 2009
An Explict Administration Statement on Ocean Zoning
White House Task Force Crafting ‘Marching Orders’ for Managing Oceans
The Obama administration is working to craft a new overarching national ocean policy that could change how federal agencies address new projects at sea — from offshore energy development to aquaculture to marine conservation.
A blog about energy, the environment and the bottom line.
Top administration officials last week kicked off what will be a cross-country tour of public listening sessions on the plan, the first public events for a group that has worked in overdrive, but under the radar, throughout the summer to craft the new policy.
Ottawa permits U.S. ship to seismic test in protected waters
By Katie DeRosa, Canwest News ServiceAugust 23, 2009
VICTORIA — The federal government has granted an American research ship permission to conduct seismic blasts in a protected marine area off Vancouver Island, despite warnings from environmental groups that it will threaten endangered whales.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon gave the go-ahead Friday night for the government-owned RV Marcus Langseth to conduct blasts in the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Marine Protected Area, 250 kilometres southwest of Vancouver Island.
Ecojustice, acting for the Living Oceans Society and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, plans to argue the decision in Federal Court, claiming that the blasts violate Canadian environmental laws.
August 23, 2009
National Journal: No Waves Until Obama Decides on Cape Wind
While the rest of the Obama family relaxes in Martha’s Vineyard, the President must address an escalating battle over the fate of Cape Wind and the future of renewable energy
By Yael Borofsky, Breakthrough Fellow
Like any savvy tourist trap that knows the President of the United States will be dropping in, Martha’s Vineyard is prepared to play the gracious host to the Obama family this week. But a recent article in the National Journal highlights how local Cape Wind activists, including Breakthrough Senior Fellow Barbara Hill, the executive director of Clean Power Now, are intent on making sure President Obama addresses the offshore wind debate before he relaxes on the Cape Cod sand.
Understanding of Alaska’s Kachemak Bay
From a NOAA press release:
NOAA ships and scientists have returned to Alaska’s Kachemak Bay to kick off year two of Hydropalooza — a NOAA-led project to develop the most detailed seafloor and coastline maps ever generated of the area.
Kachemak Bay, one of south central Alaska’s most productive and ecologically diverse estuaries, supports maritime commerce, ferry transportation, fishing, and recreational boating from the nearby harbors of Homer and Seldovia. Up-to-date NOAA nautical charts, as well as sea bottom, water level, and shoreline information, are needed to ensure safe navigation, manage coastal resources, and support local planning.