Southeast Marine Spatial Planning Workshop

Our coastal and ocean environments are becoming increasingly crowded. Within just a few square miles a diverse group of people and marine life depend on the same ocean space for very different reasons.  In order to meet current and future demands of our oceans, we need to change our management approach.  We need to take a more comprehensive look at coastal and ocean areas and take into consideration the many stakeholders who use it and the complex diversity of life that depends on it.  Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a process that can enable us to take this multi-purpose approach. 

This fall The Nature Conservancy, along with a variety of regional partners, hosted the South Atlantic Workshop on Marine Spatial Planning.  The workshop brought together a diverse group of decision-makers and stakeholders from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida to discuss MSP principles and opportunities. 

Information on the workshop and TNC efforts related to MSP can be found below:

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Marine Spatial Planning Workshop Agenda & Objectives

 Day 1

Setting the Stage: An Introduction to Marine Spatial Planning - Robert Pomeroy, University of Connecticut

Marine Spatial Planning in the United States: Current efforts at the national level – Paul Sandifer, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Southeast Region: An Overview of Current Activities Related to Marine Spatial Planning – Rick DeVoe, South Carolina Sea Grant

Panel Discussion: Marine Spatial Planning Case Studies and Lessons Learned

• Marine Cadastre – Christine Taylor, MMS and Brian Smith, NOAA
• Fisheries - Based Spatial Management - Roger Pugliese, SAFMC
• North Carolina Ocean Management - Scott Geis, NC DENR
• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Program  - Brian Keller, NOAA

 Day 2

Panel Discussion: South Atlantic Regional Coastal and Ocean Data

• David Elliot, NOAA
• Christina Carollo, FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Manoj Shivlani, Northern Taiga Ventures

Putting Data to Work for Marine Spatial Planning

• North Atlantic Marine Ecoregional Assessment – Mark Anderson, TNC
• Marine Map - Charles Steinback, EcoTrust

For Additional Information:

Check out The Nature Conservancy's Southeast Factsheet on Marine Spatial Planning or visit the Global Marine Team website on Setting Priorities with Science.