Massachusetts Law to Manage and Protect Ocean Waters - NYTime...

“There’s a symphony, sometimes a cacophony of activity going on or proposed in our coastal waters,” said Ian Bowles, the state secretary of energy and environmental affairs. “What’s unique about this is it puts everything on the table, how to prioritize things, how to protect areas that need to be protected, support fishing and energy, and prepare for development.”

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The law calls for the creation of a 17-member board to advise Mr. Bowles on ocean decisions and to include members from local planning commissions, a fishery, an environmental organization and an expert in renewable energy. Another panel that includes only scientists will also provide guidance.

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In 2003, the Pew Oceans Commission issued a report saying that states and the federal government were not protecting and managing ocean resources. It said the United States had “failed to conceive of the oceans as our largest public domain, to be managed holistically for the greater good.”

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