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Crowded Spaces: Marine Spatial Planning New Tool (EcoRI News)
Editor’s note: The CRE encourages the NOAA to implement non-federal data into ocean zoning, such as the Rhode Island SAMP. However, NOAA should obtain an Information Collection Request (ICR) for the public input on non-Federal data to be incorporated, and provide the public with a public comment period on the ICR. Further, NOAA must ensure that the non-Federal data being incorporated also complies with the Data Quality Act.
From: ecoRI News
By MEREDITH HAAS/ecoRI News contributor
PROVIDENCE — The ocean has always been viewed as this endless abyss, the last frontier. Though largely unexplored, is it possible that the ocean is becoming too crowded? -
Coastal Marine Spatial Planning for Washington’s Pacific Coast
The State of Washington passed a state law that required an interagency team to provide recommendations to the legislature about how to effectively use marine spatial planning in Washington. A key element of this is figuring out how to integrate marine spatial planning into existing state management plans and authorities.
Washington recently released a diagram and summary of how it will proceed with CMSP. It is available here.
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SeaSketch, the next generation of UCSB’s MarineMap program, will aid marine spatial planning (Phys. org)
From: Phys.org
Since 2009, a free Web-based marine mapping and spatial planning program created by UC Santa Barbara scientists has proved to be an essential tool for fishermen and other stakeholders along the California coastline. Now, the next-generation tool is going global.
Thanks to a $500,000 gift by Jack Dangermond, the president and founder of Esri, the world’s largest geographic information systems (GIS) software company, Will McClintock and his team of researchers at UCSB’s Marine Science Institute are finalizing SeaSketch –– the next generation of MarineMap. SeaSketch will allow people all over the world, even those who are not experts in GIS applications, to create plans designed to protect marine life based on scientific values and governmental policies.
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Congress takes another ax to NOAA budget (Alaska Journal of Commerce)
Frustrated senators from coastal states are wielding the power of the purse to rein in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and refocus the agency’s priorities on its core missions.
During recent appropriations subcommittee hearings April 17, Sen. Lisa Murkowski ensured no funds would be provided in fiscal year 2013 for coastal marine spatial planning, a key component of President Barack Obama’s National Ocean Policy.
Murkowski also pushed for an additional $3 million for regional fishery management councils and secured $15 million for the Pacific Salmon Treaty that was in line to be cut by NOAA’s proposed budget (for $65 million total).
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Witnesses: President’s Ocean Zoning Threatens Alaska’s Economy (House Committee on Natural Resources)
From: House Committee on Natural Resources
The Natural Resources Committee held an oversight field hearing in Anchorage, Alaska on, “Alaska’s Sovereignty In Peril: The National Ocean Policy’s Goal to Federalize Alaska.” The hearing focused on how President Obama’s plan to mandate ocean zoning through implementation of the National Ocean Policy threatens Alaska’s sovereignty and economic livelihood.
“Nowhere in the United States will the effects of the National Ocean Policy be felt to the extent that it will in Alaska. The reach of this ‘ocean’ policy will stretch throughout the entire state and affect almost any activity that requires a federal permit. As we will hear from our witnesses today, the State’s economic vitality is a direct result of our ability to use our natural resources. Any new federal initiative that affects our ability to use these natural resources will cost jobs,” said Rep. Don Young (AK-At large).
