The state of Massachusetts is working to finalize a map that will define where off-shore energy projects can be sited. The map is part of the Massachusett’s Oceans Act, which covers a range of ocean activities and environmental protection.
The state is home to Cape Wind, an ambitious ocean-based energy project that has passed state regulation, and is awaiting federal approval. This project provided a major impetus to the Oceans Act as it raised many ocean development issues that hadn’t been explored in the past.
The state’s regulatory ocean development map is the result of a year’s worth of meetings with scientists and stakeholders. The aim of the plan is to protect fragile ocean ecosystems, fishing stocks, and ocean migration paths. The draft version of the ocean development map will be unveiled July 1, with a final version planned by January.
Read more background in this story on Boston.com.
