| Three quarters of Planet Earth
is covered in oceans — and those oceans are in crisis. According to the
United Nations, of the seventeen major global fisheries, fourteen have
collapsed or are collapsing. Over-fishing is wiping out species after
species. Pollution and inconsistent development threaten coastal areas.
As a coastal state, the Massachusetts Chapter has a strong role to
play in protecting marine ecosystems and species. Unfortunately, our
fisheries, which should be sustainable, are in decline. The Northern
Right Whale is threatened. And development is placing pressure on our
wetlands, degrading an essential link in the biodiversity of marine
life.
The newly formed Marine/Coastal Committee
The recently re-established committee, under the leadership of David
Dow (CC&I Group Chair and Club Marine Activist Team member) will
potentially focus on areas such as
- North Atlantic right whale protection
- Impacts of commercial/recreational fishing efforts on ocean biota
and their habitats
- Supporting Gulf of Maine Habitat Conservation & Restoration
Initiative
- Developing adaptation plans for sea level rise and ocean
acidification associated with climate disruption
- Off Road Vehicle (ORV) usage on coastal beaches
- Providing input on locating community wind turbines in state
jurisdictional waters
- Conserving natural trust resources (sea birds, migratory/resident
birds on beaches, non-target fish species)
- And other related issues
In the past, the Chapter developed a sustainable fisheries policy;
tried to reduce threats to North Atlantic right whale from human
activities, and commented on the state's Ocean Management Plan draft.
Contact David Dow for more.
See the contacts page. |
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