| |  MARCO News, May 2014 |
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Message from the MARCO Management Board
This issue of MARCO News highlights the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) recent grant award from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, as well as information on:
- A newly-created Stakeholder Liaison Committee formed to enhance stakeholder engagement in the Mid-Atlantic regional ocean planning process;
- Upcoming opportunities to learn more about the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal;
- Dates and topics for the next Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body meeting; and
- The launch of MARCO's new website.
As always, we encourage you to share this issue with your colleagues and contacts.
The MARCO Management Board
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MARCO Receives $2.1 Million Grant from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
 The MARCO Management Board is pleased to announce the receipt of a $2.1 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to help address the ocean planning needs of the Mid-Atlantic region. These efforts are an essential step forward as MARCO works with tribal and federal partners to plan for new and existing ocean uses in ways that maintain the overall health of the Atlantic Ocean ecosystem. "This generous award provides an unprecedented opportunity to move forward with regional ocean planning in the Mid-Atlantic," said Gwynne Schultz, Chair of the MARCO Management Board. "We are excited about having the means to advance such an important initiative in the region." Click here for more details on the grant award. Share this:   
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MARCO Hosts Stakeholder Liaison Committee Inaugural Scoping Meeting
In light of the increased focus on regional ocean planning in the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as nationally, MARCO is convening a Stakeholder Liaison Committee (SLC) designed to foster meaningful, and ongoing stakeholder involvement. With support from MARCO staff, the SLC provides an opportunity for ocean sector leaders to reach out to their respective communities for comment and input on the regional ocean planning process. MARCO convened an SLC inaugural meeting in Washington, DC on March 10, 2014. The meeting topics included briefing the SLC on Mid-Atlantic regional ocean planning and the envisioned role of the SLC; obtaining feedback on the proposed structure and function of the SLC; reviewing the draft vision, principles, goals, objectives and initial geographic focus found in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body's Draft Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Planning Framework; and discussing the functions, features, and data on the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal. A document summarizing the meeting can be found here on the MARCO website.
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"How Tuesday" Portal Webinars Launching in June
MARCO's Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal team will host their first How Tuesday Webinar on June 3 at 2 pm. This will be the first of a live webinar series that will take place on the first Tuesday of each month. This month's webinar will include a general overview of the Portal's state-of-the-art visualization tool, along with the tips and tools to help you shape the future of your ocean. Questions, ideas, and returning participants welcomed. For those unable to join on Tuesdays, the webinars will be recorded and made available for viewing on demand.
Mark your calendars: 2 pm on June 3rd, July 1st, and August 5th. For updates on how to register, follow the Portal Blog or @PortalMARCO on Twitter.
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The Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body Hosting its Next Public Meeting in May
Building on momentum from a series of recent in-person listening sessions held in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body (RPB) will convene its next public meeting on May 20 and 21 in Baltimore, Maryland. Agenda topics for discussion will include revisions to the RPB's Draft Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Planning Framework, a document that will provide guideposts for how the Regional Planning Body moves forward with a work plan for regional ocean planning.
MARCO has been coordinating closely with the Regional Planning Body on various issues (stakeholder engagement, launching a
regional ocean assessment, enhancing the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal, etc.) and encourages you to attend and to make your voice heard. For additional details on the upcoming meeting, please visit the Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body website.
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MARCO Launches Newly Designed Website
MARCO is pleased to announce the release of its new website, designed with a fresh new look and user-friendly navigation, and updated with the latest information on ocean-related priorities, activities, and events. The website URL remains the same at www.MidAtlanticOcean.org.
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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 adaptation, 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, 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. |
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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. Body (top-bottom): Kayakers, Jim Brickett; Blue sky, NOAA NEFSC; Meeting participants, Michelle Lennox. Footer (L-R) Fishing boat, William Sherman; Diver, Michael Eversmier; Beach scene, Chris Parypa.
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