About Mid-atlantic regional council on the ocean (marco)
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) is a partnership of Mid-Atlantic states that was formed to enhance the region's ocean ecosystem and economy. The council is made up of representatives from New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. MARCO's mission is to promote sustainable use of the ocean resources in the region while protecting its natural beauty.
MARCO has been working tirelessly to achieve its goals since its inception in 2009. The council has been instrumental in developing a regional ocean action plan that outlines strategies for managing and protecting the ocean resources in the Mid-Atlantic region. This plan was developed through extensive collaboration with stakeholders from various sectors including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and industry.
One of MARCO's key initiatives is promoting sustainable fisheries management practices. The council recognizes that fishing is an important economic activity in the region but also acknowledges that overfishing can have negative impacts on fish populations and their habitats. To address this issue, MARCO has been working with stakeholders to develop science-based approaches for managing fisheries sustainably.
Another area where MARCO has been making significant strides is marine spatial planning (MSP). MSP involves identifying areas within a given geographic region where different uses of the ocean can coexist without negatively impacting each other or causing harm to marine ecosystems. Through MSP efforts, MARCO aims to balance competing interests such as offshore wind energy development and commercial fishing while ensuring environmental protection.
MARCO also recognizes that climate change poses significant challenges for coastal communities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events are threatening infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings along coastlines which are critical for economic activities like tourism and shipping industries. To address these challenges effectively requires collaboration among all stakeholders including local governments who are responsible for land-use planning decisions affecting coastal areas.
In conclusion, MARCO plays an essential role in promoting sustainable use of ocean resources in the Mid-Atlantic region. The council's efforts to develop science-based approaches for managing fisheries sustainably, marine spatial planning, and addressing climate change challenges are commendable. MARCO's collaborative approach involving stakeholders from various sectors is a model that other regions can emulate.