OCEAN PLANNING

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee (Mid-A OPC)

The Mid-A OPC (formerly the Mid-Atlantic Committee on the Ocean) is a committee established by MARCO to foster collaboration among states, federal agencies, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), and federally recognized tribes, and to engage stakeholders. The purpose of the Mid-A OPC is to enhance the vitality of the region’s ocean ecosystem and economy through increased communication and collaboration.

Goals

  • Provide a venue for ongoing regional information sharing and coordination about the Mid-Atlantic’s ocean ecosystem and economy;
  • Generate a deeper understanding and awareness of state, federal, tribal and regional fisheries management entities’  programs and other activities  affecting  ocean waters off the Mid-Atlantic;
  • Identify and pursue, where appropriate, opportunities for collaboration on regional ocean issues;
  • Generate and maintain a list of contacts engaged in ocean planning to facilitate communication across the region;
  • Identify ways to enhance federal data sharing and support for the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal to inform ocean planning and management; and
  • Engage stakeholders in learning about, identifying and responding to regional ocean issues.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Accessibility

 

The Mid-A OPC recently adopted a statement pledging to listen and incorporate information from the widest possible set of stakeholders to better understand and address injustices and inequities in its work. The Mid-A OPC will ensure its work reflects a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Accessibility (DEIJA), as well as addresses the needs of stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds and industries.

Read the DEIJ statement

The Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum

Committee members will convene an annual Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum as a venue for regional information sharing, coordination and collaboration, and to enhance the region’s ability to leverage existing efforts and information across multiple levels of government, federally recognized tribes, non-governmental entities and other stakeholders. The information and presentations discussed and shared through the Forum will inform the Committee and participants about potential areas to take future action, generate a deeper understanding and awareness of member priorities and policy changes/enhancements that may affect regional planning (e.g. funding, data, research, projects, best practices identified in other regions), and identify areas for more intensive coordination.

Mid-A OPC Participation

State: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia

Federal: Current federal participants include but are not limited to the Department of Commerce; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration); the Department of the Interior through the US Geological Survey, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Parks Service; the Department of Agriculture through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Department of Defense through the Joint Command, Navy, and/or Army Corps of Engineers; the Department of Homeland Security, US Coast Guard; the Environmental Protection Agency; the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration; and the Department of Energy.

Tribal: Shinnecock Indian Nation

Regional: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Steering Committee

  • Kelsey Leonard (Tribal Co-Chair)
  • Shinnecock Indian Nation
  • Kristi Lieske (State Co-Chair)
  • Delaware
  • Jessica Coakley
  • Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
  • Wright Frank
  • Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
  • John Kuriawa
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • Casey Nolan
  • Maryland Department of Natural Resources
  • Mike Snyder
  • New York Department of State
  • Roselle (Henn) Stern
  • US Army Corps of Engineers

Work Groups & Collaborative Efforts

MARCO and the Mid-A OPC collaborate with governmental agencies, tribal nations and many other interested stakeholders through a series of specially focused work groups on marine debris, ocean acidification, ocean mapping and data, non-consumptive recreation, offshore renewable energy and Maritime Commercs and Navigation Safety. More information can be found on the work groups page.

 

Additional Resources

  • Updates – news shared by Mid-A OPC members
  • This framework document sets forth the organization’s structure, goals and objectives, and guides its overall work.
  • This stakeholder engagement plan outlines a range of approaches the committee will take to work and communicate with stakeholders, partner organizations and members of the public.
  • Event calendar – regional ocean planning events

For More Information

Questions or comments about the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee may be directed to info@midatlanticocean.org.