U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy - Joint Ocean Commission Initiative

erable public opposition to certainactivities when conducted close toshore, such as those that involve theuse of heavy equipment or disruptscenic views. In addition, technologicaladvances and an evolving scientificunderstanding of the oceanhave made activities in offshoreareas more feasible and economicalthan in the past.For these reasons, interest in theuse of federal waters is growing andactivities farther offshore are expectedto multiply (Figure 6.1). In manyinstances, these activities are mutuallycompatible and can take place in thesame approximate area withoutproblems. In other instances, usesconflict with and can disrupt oneanother. Later chapters discussmany specific offshore activities,including fisheries (Chapter 19), aquaculture(Chapter 22), bioprospecting(Chapter 23), and development ofoffshore energy and mineral resources(Chapter 24). The chapters in Part Vdiscuss the various responsibilitiesrelated to protecting the oceans fromthe impacts of pollution. The focusof this chapter, however, is the overarchingoffshore management regimethat will be needed to coordinateall these activities and more—animportant part of moving towardan ecosystem-based managementapproach.An offshore management regimeshould encompass robust coordinationfor all ocean activities, whilerecognizing the particular needs andchallenges associated with each individualuse. It must be able to addressthe needs of the ecosystem—includinghuman needs—by prioritizing activities,minimizing conflicts, protectingresources, and ensuring that usesFigure 6.1 Coordination Is Essential in Busy Offshore WatersMassachusettsRhodeIsland■ Wind farm proposals■ Shipping lanes, fairways, andprecautionary areas■ Hazardous areas—dumping areas;toxic wastes; unexploded ordnance,torpedos, depth charges, etc.Like many offshore areas of the nation, the waters off a small portion of theNew England coast are home to a number of existing and proposed activities.In addition to the uses shown above, many offshore areas also contain dredgingprojects, marine protected areas, fishery closures, recreational activities, artificialreefs, and in certain coastal regions, oil and gas development. User conflicts canand do arise when incompatible activities take place in the same area. Acomprehensive offshore management regime is needed for the balancedcoordination of all offshore uses.Source: Minerals Management Service, Washington, DC.are compatible. It is also important to strike a balance between long-term and short-termstrategies. For example, a legislative remedy may be warranted to address immediateconcerns about one ocean activity, but the legislation should leave room to incorporatethe activity within a broader, developing regime.Any new offshore management regime should be grounded in the guiding principlesset forth by the <strong>Commission</strong> in Chapter 3. For example, the nation should not wait untiltechnologies are fully developed or scientific information is complete to establish mecha-■ State Waters (3 nautical miles)■ National Marine SanctuaryTelecommunications cables—activeTelecommunicationscables—inactiveC HAPTER 6: COORDINATING M ANAGEMENT IN F EDERAL WATERS99