About
The Bay State’s 1,500 mile coastline and rich ocean waters have shaped our history, economy and cultural identity.
Historically, the ocean has supported recreational activity and tourism, fishing and shellfishing, shipping and trade,
scientific research, and many other endeavors. More recent ocean uses in Massachusetts include aquaculture, liquified
natural gas (LNG) facilities, and high-speed ferries — and with energy and related environmental challenges facing
the state and the nation, we are now looking to the ocean as a source of sustainable energy.
Until recently, management of the ocean resources has been piecemeal — not only in Massachusetts, but nationwide.
The tide is turning, however, as on May 28, 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed the Oceans Act of 2008,
which requires the Secretary of EEA to develop a comprehensive ocean management plan, following a scientific and public
stakeholder process that leads to a draft plan by summer of 2009, and the final promulgation of the play by December 31,
2009. Key elements of the Oceans Act include:
- Comprehensive management of Massachusetts waters - For the first time in any state, comprehensive science-based
planning will be used to ensure long-term protection and sustainable use of ocean resources;
- An Ocean Advisory Commission and Science Advisory Council - A 17 member commission will advise the Secretary as
the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs as we develop the ocean plan. The commission includes state
legislators, agency heads, commercial fishing, environmental, and renewable energy representatives, and coastal regional
planning agencies. A 9 member Science Advisory Council will assist the Secretary in developing environmental, economic
and social baseline data, and will help develop a foundation for long-term, science-based ocean management;
- Appropriately scaled renewable energy - The Ocean Sanctuaries Act is amended to allow offshore renewable energy
facilities of “appropriate scale” in state waters, except for the Cape Cod Ocean Sanctuary (offshore from the Cape
Cod National Seashore on the Outer Cap), provided that facilities are consistent with the ocean plan; and
- Fisheries management jurisdiction - The Oceans Act directs that commercial and recreational fishing remain allowed
uses in state waters, and maintains exclusive jurisdiction over fisheries regulation with the Division of Marine
Fisheries.