Is this new law necessary?

[happy2fish]

It is stated that the Cape Wind proposal appears to be a well balanced protective plan for the Massachusetts coastal waters providing a global view of commercial operations permit at sea to serve as an example to other national coastal states.

The act would create two advisory groups: a 16-member ocean management commission composed of legislators and representatives of state agencies and the fishing industry, and a nine-member scientific advisory council, which would include a staff member from UMass Dartmouth's School for Marine Science and Technology. These advisory groups would determine what can and cannot happen in state-controlled waters by guiding the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

This plan could control sand and gravel mining, dredging material dumping, aquaculture, wind turbines and liquefied natural gas terminals. Could this plan change permit requirements?

According to CLF, Mass Audubon, and the Ocean Conservancy this is a way to balance commercial operations with recreational angling and conservation. Sen. Robert O'Leary, D-Barnstable is the prime sponsor and is supported by Leon Panetta the co-chairman of the national Joint Ocean commissions Initiative.

Last year, Sen. Bruce E. Tarr, R-Gloucester, was trying assure that fisheries jurisdiction would still be part of the Division of Marine Fisheries protecting commercial fishing interests. Protecting and preserving recreational uses and marine habitat along the beautiful Massachusetts coast must be a priority by the national leadership on the issue of ocean management.

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