MARCO News, February 2015

Message from the MARCO Management Board

Welcome to our most recent issue of MARCO News. This issue:

Highlights discussions and outcomes of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body's January meeting in New York City resulting in a unanimously approved approach for developing a Regional Ocean Action Plan.
Showcases learning opportunities available through the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal.
Highlights New York's release of a draft Ocean Action Plan for public review and comment.
Showcases the work of the Maryland Ocean Acidification Task Force.

The MARCO Management Board

Artie Raslich/Getty Images

New York City Meeting Highlights Development of
a Regional Ocean Action Plan for the Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body met last month in New York City to determine its approach for developing a Regional Ocean Action Plan by 2016. The newly agreed upon approach is a hybrid of previously outlined options, allowing for collaborative actions to be developed to address both region-wide opportunities and those associated with specific geographic areas of the Mid-Atlantic. The Plan will support the goals and objectives of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Planning Framework to identify necessary coordination and actions to advance regional priorities, including ocean ecosystem health and a sustainable ocean economy. Read More

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Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal Brings Ocean Planning to You

Interested in ocean mapping and its applications for ocean planning? The Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal provides a range of tools, services and training to make ocean mapping accessible to everyone, no experience necessary. Explore what's new on the Portal today and Register for the next "How Tuesday" webinar to be held at 2pm EST on March 3.

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New York Releases Draft Ocean Action Plan

As the Mid-Atlantic progresses towards a Regional Ocean Action Plan, one of the most valuable learning opportunities comes from the State of New York, which recently released a state-level draft comprehensive Ocean Action Plan for public comment. The state's 2013 Offshore Atlantic Ocean Study, highlighting known or predicted locations of certain ocean uses and resources, informs the plan.

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Maryland Takes Action to Address Ocean Acidification

The State of Maryland has become one of the first states to take decisive action to address the impacts of ocean acidification. A newly released report issued by a State Task Force outlines the impacts that acidification has on Maryland waters and calls for monitoring, industry partnerships and collaboration with federal agencies to address the threat.

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Upcoming Events

The following events may be of interest to the Mid-Atlantic ocean community:

The Future is Now: Dealing with Rising Seas on Maryland's Shores - February 21
New York Ocean Action Plan Public Meetings:

Freeport - February 24
Long Beach - February 26

"How Tuesday" Ocean Data Portal Webinar - March 3

ABOUT MARCO

Established in 2009 by the Governors of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, MARCO provides a forum for our coastal Mid-Atlantic states to collaborate on shared regional priorities related to marine habitats, renewable offshore energy, climate change adaptation, and ocean water quality. MARCO initiated and oversees the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal to assist the region with ocean planning efforts. For more information about MARCO, visit our website, MidAtlanticOcean.org.

CONNECT WITH US!

Thank you for your continued interest in MARCO. We welcome questions and feedback you may have, including content for upcoming issues of MARCO News. To provide comments or suggestions, or to join our email distribution list, please click "Join Our Mailing List" below, or contact us at info@midatlanticocean.org.

Photo Credits: Header (L-R): Coral, NOAA-OER/BOEM; Wind turbines, Ralf Hettler; Kayaks, Raul Rosa; Shipping container, Dan Barnes; Schooling fish, Jet Chen Tan; U.S. Naval ships, Gina Addison. Body (top-bottom): Gotham Whale, Artie Raslich / Getty Images; Ocean Planning graphic, Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal; Statue of Liberty emerges from fog, DeShaun Craddock; Oyster Divers, Jay Fleming/Maryland DNR. Footer (L-R) Fishing boat, William Sherman; Diver, Michael Eversmier; Beach scene, Chris Parypa.