Message from the MARCO Management BoardIn celebration of World Oceans Day, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) is pleased to introduce the first issue of "MARCO News." This electronic newsletter will provide you with updates about MARCO and our partners, share information about upcoming events, and offer a way for you to stay informed about regional ocean issues. We hope you find MARCO News informative, and we encourage you to share each issue with your contacts. Wishing you a happy World Oceans Day! The MARCO Management Board
|
|
Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Planning Workshop
 In April, MARCO hosted the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Planning Workshop in collaboration with our federal partners to help launch regional ocean planning in the Mid-Atlantic. Over 150 stakeholders participated, representing a diverse range of ocean uses, including commercial and recreational fishing, shipping and ports, military and security, offshore energy development, maritime industries, ocean recreation, environmental conservation groups, educational and research institutions, and coastal communities.A summary (16MB) and video of the workshop's proceedings, along with other key resources are now available on the MARCO website . We look forward to providing additional opportunities for stakeholder input and participation in Mid-Atlantic regional ocean planning efforts in the coming months.
Share this:    |
The Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal
 Have you visited the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal yet? The Portal is an online mapping tool and resource center that consolidates the best available data and makes it accessible to a wide range of users. The Portal enables state, federal, and local users to visualize ocean resources and human use information (e.g., fishing grounds, recreational areas, shipping lanes, habitat areas, and potential energy sites). The Portal's collection of map layers is frequently updated as new data is obtained. Recent additions include map layers showing the Department of Defense's offshore wind compatibility assessment and offshore wastewater treatment plant discharge locations. You can tour the Portal at http://portal.midatlantic
ocean.org, read updates, and, most importantly, leave your suggestions on how to improve the Portal. |
Mid-Atlantic Deepwater Canyon Exploration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is conducting a series of expeditions to survey deepwater canyons from Virginia to Maine. NOAA scientists invited MARCO to help identify priority areas that might be surveyed to help fill biological and geological informational gaps in the Mid-Atlantic.  In late April, NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown set out on the Deepwater Canyons 2013: Pathways to the Abyss expedition to explore and describe two Mid-Atlantic canyons off Virginia and Maryland. With support from NOAA, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and United States Geological Survey (USGS), data collected by academic and federal scientists during this expedition will help provide a deeper understanding of these unique submarine canyon ecosystems.
 Recently the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer tested a new remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of diving to the incredible depth of 6,000 meters. The new ROV explored the deep waters of the Mid-Atlantic region, including canyons off New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. The 2013 ROV Shakedown and Field Trials marks an exciting milestone for the Okeanos Explorer program, which becomes a member of an elite group that can reach all but the deepest of the world's ocean trenches. Future operations of this new ROV will include areas identified as priorities for MARCO states. Be sure to check out the live video feed that will broadcast upcoming ROV cruises from July 8-25, and July 31-August 17. Share this: |
New MARCO Management Board Chair
 The Board would like to introduce MARCO's new Board Chair, Gwynne Schultz. With over 25 years working for the State of Maryland on coastal resource issues, Gwynne is currently a Senior Coastal and Ocean Policy Advisor at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. MARCO welcomes Gwynne to her new role!
T he Board would also like to express our most sincere thanks to Sarah W. Cooksey, Administrator for the State of Delaware's Coastal Programs, who recently completed her term as Board Chair. Sarah's leadership and dedication over the past two years is deeply appreciated, and MARCO is fortunate that her institutional knowledge and expertise will remain part of MARCO's operations as she continues as an active Board member.
|
ABOUT MARCO
Established in 2009 by the Governors of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, MARCO provides a forum for our coastal Mid-Atlantic states to collaborate on shared regional priorities related to marine habitats, renewable offshore energy, climate change impacts, and ocean water quality. MARCO initiated and oversees the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal to assist the region with ocean planning efforts. For more information about MARCO, download the MARCO Fact Sheet and visit our website, midatlanticocean.org.
CONNECT WITH US!
Thank you for your continued interest in MARCO. We welcome questions and feedback you may have, including content for upcoming issues of MARCO News. To provide comments or suggestions, or to join our email distribution list, please click "Join Our Mailing List" below, or contact us at info@midatlanticocean.org.
|
|
| 
Photo Credits: Header (L-R): Coral, NOAA-OER/BOEM; Wind turbines, Ralf Hettler; Kayaks, Raul Rosa; Shipping container, Dan Barnes; Schooling fish, Jet Chen Tan; U.S. Naval ships, Gina Addison. Articles: Regional Ocean Planning Workshop photos, Joe Milmoe, Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. Blackbelly rosefish, image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS. Oceanos Explorer, images courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program. Footer (L-R) Fishing boat, William Sherman; Diver, Michael Eversmier; Beach scene, Chris Parypa.
|
|
|
|
|
