I am so thrilled that 2017 closed on a high note
for ocean planning!

One year milestones always seem to hold a special significance—whether it’s a first birthday, a one year wedding anniversary, or simply your first year in a new city. It exemplifies 365 days of first experiences, first challenges and first triumphs.  December marked the one year anniversary of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Ocean Plans. Here are some of our favorite tweets celebrating the success of a common-sense, collaborative approach that keeps our ocean working for all of us.

Ocean Plans have been active for one year and they are working! #OceanPlanning #MidAOceanPlan @OurOceanMARCO https://t.co/nEKldvYBeB pic.twitter.com/FCNq3m4ArH

— SurfriderMidAtlantic (@SurfriderMidAtl) December 5, 2017

We all love the ocean. It is not only where we go to find adventure, relaxation and recreation, it is one of America’s greatest natural resources. Did you know, the ocean economy touches 30 coastal and Great Lakes states? It contributes $352 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supports 3.1 million jobs nationwide. That’s equivalent to the economy of the entire nation of Norway, and that’s more jobs than the entire population of Iowa! I’d say that’s worth celebrating and protecting for this and future generations.

Thanks to a successful 1st year of the NE and Mid-A Ocean Plans #OceanPlanning is benefiting fishing communities like never before! https://t.co/avuVWT7JSo
Image: Rafeed Hussain. pic.twitter.com/c4VeK6AyoK

— Ocean Conservancy (@OurOcean) December 7, 2017

If you read the stories around Our Ocean at Work, perhaps one of the most outstanding aspects of ocean planning has been access to rich, new data about how we use the ocean. Avoiding conflicts between the needs of various ocean users starts with a common understanding—and in the case of ocean planning, that is taking place through open dialogues based on clear, reliable information.

Check out the updated Recreation map! We’ve updated boat launches, added more coastal parks, and included another water trail. https://t.co/IZDq8VeM3M #NewEngland #coast #boating #paddling #kayaking #sailing #tourism pic.twitter.com/21ZLQdbeZp

— Northeast Ocean Data (@NEOceanData) November 22, 2017

A huge reason why I also celebrate ocean planning is because it brings diverse stakeholders to the table. In an excellent conversation with Kelsey Leonard of the Shinnecock Nation, she talked about how tribes have a seat at the table when it comes to this process, noting, “Our ability to bridge western and indigenous knowledge and science is at the heart of innovation for this planning process.”

Sustainable #ocean stewardship has been going on for thousands of years. Native American tribes bring a vital perspective to #oceanplanning. #healthyoceans pic.twitter.com/sQmajmF4Gi

— Ocean Frontiers Film (@Ocean_Frontiers) December 6, 2017

At Ocean Conservancy, we are celebrating  the common-sense, collaborative approach of regional ocean planning that has been embraced by industry, fisheries managers, tribes, coastal communities and agencies.

The Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan and Northeast Ocean Plan are whaley great tools to keep the ocean working. https://t.co/3jRNEJen21 #HealthyOceans #OceanPlanning pic.twitter.com/Ba68TG8vjq

— Nat’l Ocean Policy (@NatlOceanPolicy) December 7, 2017

What it comes down to is, ocean planning just makes plain sense. Ocean Conservancy is delighted to see it succeeding in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The support it has generated is already inspiring the West Coast to work on its own ocean plan.

#Oceanplanning – it works! pic.twitter.com/ujzFEOTWZD

— Ocean Frontiers Film (@Ocean_Frontiers) December 7, 2017

Ocean planning gives America one of the best tools to­ keep our blue economy strong from sea to shining sea – let’s celebrate that!