Northeast Ocean Plan would coordinate 20-plus federal agencies, Public comment period underway
The Northeast Ocean Plan will offer a new system for federal agencies to look at each other’s data and gather more information from stakeholders like fishermen and shipping companies. The plan is a result of a 2010 executive order and is being facilitated in New England by the Northeast Regional Ocean Council. Similar plans are being crafted in the mid-Atlantic and West Coast regions.,, Anne Merwin, director of ocean planning at the political advocacy group Ocean Conservancy, said there are more than 20 federal agencies with jurisdiction over the ocean.,, John Williamson, who previously worked in the commercial fishing industry, said the new plan will be helpful for offshore stakeholders, especially fishermen. Offshore wind power, for example, has grown, and Williamson said it is expected to continue growing in the next 10 years. (it appears he has embraced this! http://www.seakeeper.org/) Erik Anderson, a former commercial fisherman from Portsmouth, said some fishermen fear data found in the plan will be used to create new restrictions on where fishing can take place, designating those areas to other industries like offshore wind power. Read the rest here 09:32
JOHN WILLIAMSON is no friend of the commercial fishing industry. My guess is he’ll find a way to turn this boondoggle into a way to line his pockets by becoming an advocate, then get paid to go promote more industry destroying agendas.
Happy Independence Day.