Ocean & Coastal Management

Governor Deval Patrick signed the Oceans Act on May 28, 2008 - requiring the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Ian Bowles to develop a comprehensive ocean management plan, with a draft plan by June 30, 2009, and a final plan promulgated by December 31, 2009. Select a link below to access the final plan, draft plan and technical reports, and information on the ocean planning process.

The Massachusetts Ocean Management Initiative was launched in 2003, making Massachusetts the first state in the nation to attempt to plan for multiple ocean uses.

Situated at the edge of where the last major glacier covered parts of North America, the Massachusetts shoreline has an extremely varied orientation, as well as diverse and spectacular geologic landforms. The vulnerability of the coastline to the chronic forces of regular storm activity and to the catastrophic forces of northeasters and hurricanes is a continual concern to those who live, work, and manage the coast.

Along the coast of Massachusetts there are hundreds of places to access sprawling sandy beaches, rocky coastline, pristine salt marshes, and bustling ports and harbors.

The Massachusetts Bays Program is a partnership of citizens, communities, and government that strives to protect and enhance the coastal health and heritage of Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bays.

Coastal Smart Growth Program is in place to catalogue, develop, and distribute planning, technical, regulatory, and outreach tools for real-world growth management that protects coastal resources. It also ensures that other CZM programs promote and support Coastal Smart Growth and the Commonwealth's Sustainable Development Principles.

To help people working in coastal communities address challenges arising from storms, floods, sea level rise, and climate change, StormSmart Coasts provides a menu of options for successful coastal floodplain management.

Port and Harbor Planning encourage the creation or expansion of water-dependent facilities in developed port and harbor areas. This approach maximizes the value of these developed ports and ensures that businesses that require close proximity to harbors, such as shipping and fishing facilities, will have a place to flourish.

We've all seen it on the news. Long lines at the grocery stores and empty shelves at home supply warehouses as the hurricane bears down on some unfortunate coastal community. The time to prepare for a hurricane is well before you hear warnings on your local radio station. The information provided here will help you with preparations.

Massachusetts' coastal communities are divided into six enforcement regions encompassing approximately 1,500 square miles. Coastal officers monitor fishing and other activities both on land and at sea. Offshore enforcement adds an additional 2,500 square miles of territorial waters to the Environmental Police's jurisdiction.

Information and resources provided by MassDEP about estuaries.

The Commonwealth's aquaculture industry produces aquatic species for food, education, ornamental, bait and sport fishing activities, including 6 species of shellfish and 10 species of finfish that are cultured experimentally and commercially.