WORK GROUPS & COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS
Ocean Conservation
The focus points for this work group include:
Development of a comprehensive understanding of how conservation efforts intersect with changing oceanic conditions such as climate change, shifts in species distribution, and new uses such as aquaculture and wind energy.
Identification of conservation measures and areas of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean that should be prioritized for conservation through community engagement of diverse sectors.
Learn more about the status and trends in ocean aquaculture.
Ocean Conservation Webinars
PAST
MARCO Webinar: A dive into Sea Turtle Research Planning in Support of Impact Assessment for US Atlantic Offshore Wind
FEBRUARY 7, 2024 2-3PM EST
The MARCO Ocean Conservation Work Group is hosteda webinar with a featured presentation by Dr. Susan Barco, followed by an audience Q&A discussion. During the presentation, Dr. Barco will highlighted recommendations from the Sea Turtle Chapter of the Regional Wildlife Science Entity Science Plan.
With over 30 years of experience at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Dr. Susan Barco played key roles in the Stranding Response, Research & Conservation Programs. Her expertise spans sea turtle and marine mammal ecology, fishery interaction, and conservation. An author/co-author on 50+ scientific publications, Dr. Susan Barco now serves as a consultant for environmental monitoring and protection of marine species. Since July 2022, she has been the Sea Turtle Subcommittee Lead for the Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative for Offshore Wind (RWSC).
Marine Sanctuaries as a Conservation Tool
JANUARY 31, 2023 11-12PM EST
Ben Haskell, Deputy Superintendent Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuaries presented a case study of sanctuaries as a conservation tool and Karl Vilacoba, Communications Director, Urban Coast Institute at Monmouth University demonstrated how the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal can be used to visualize use of ocean and coastal space.