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

Contact
Colin Durrant, CLF Director of Communications
617.850.1722

Boston, MA (May 15, 2008) – Late last night, 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 conference committee bill number is Senate, No. 2699.

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: www.massoceanaction.org http://www.massoceanaction.org/

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The Conservation Law Foundation works to solve the environmental problems that threaten the people, natural resources and communities of New England. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to design and implement strategies that conserve natural resources, protect public health, and promote vital communities in our region. Founded in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. It has offices in Boston, Massachusetts; Concord, New Hampshire; Providence, Rhode Island; Montpelier, Vermont; and Brunswick, Maine.