Our Ocean at Work

Ocean planning is smart, common-sense and driven by those who rely most on one of America’s greatest natural resources.

The successes we’ve seen since the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic ocean plans were finalized in December 2016 are a testament to the power of collaboration, shared data and better coordination across sectors, industries and coastal communities.

From sharing maps on shipping and whales to finding the perfect location for the first offshore shellfish farm in the Atlantic federal waters of the Atlantic, each story shares a common theme: ocean planning works.

Ocean Conservancy has always believed in ocean planning. We are a staunch advocate for an approach that seeks to reduce conflict and keep our blue economy thriving. We are honored to remain a trusted partner on ocean planning as it gets embraced by the West Coast, the Pacific Islands and even internationally.

Ocean Conservancy thanks all the ocean planning champions—elected representatives in Washington D.C., scientists at federal agencies and universities, decision-makers from first nations, leaders of industries, and numerous coastal communities—who are share in this success.

Together, we keep our ocean at work!

BUOYING BOATER SAFETY OFF CAPE COD

CAPE COD, MA: Ocean planning helps site a wave-monitoring buoy in heavily trafficked waters that until recently, had no real-time data on weather conditions to help mariners safely navigate the busy canal.

COMMUNITIES AT SEA

MID-ATLANTIC: A closer, comprehensive look at the extent and locations of commercial fisheries is helping deliver better results for those who depend on the ocean economy.

A THOROUGHLY MODERN TOOL FOR ANCIENT MARINERS

MID-ATLANTIC & NORTHEAST: Marine traffic management on the ocean received a huge boost with the integration of the Automatic Identification System data from ship, tug and barge traffic collected by the US Coast Guard. It is now being integrated into both the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portals to help assess risk and safety concerns, including those related to offshore infrastructure like wind platforms.

MUSSEL-ING INTO THE ATLANTIC

GLOUCESTER, MA: With the help of the Northeast Ocean Data Portal, America’s oldest fishing port now has garnered a new lifeline.

A WHALE OF A CHALLENGE

NEW YORK HARBOR: Citizen scientists share their data on whales and other marine mammals in New York Harbor to help make informed decisions and protect wildlife.