New pressures being put on the nation’s ocean waters, including wind turbines and fish farming, are sparking conflicts with more traditional activities and show the need for better planning.
That’s according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief Jane Lubchenco, who told The Associated Press on Monday that the nation should take cues from Massachusetts, the first state to create a comprehensive planning map for its ocean waters.
While a similar map for the nation would be more daunting — state waters extend out just three miles compared to 200 nautical miles for federal waters — Lubchenco said it’s important to begin the process.