About Us
What we stand for
New England’s coast and ocean are among our region’s greatest economic, environmental and cultural assets. Safeguarding the natural environment and improving the management of our coast and ocean through a comprehensive ocean planning process will have far reaching benefits. These actions will help to grow our region’s coastal and maritime economy, restore and protect ocean and coastal ecosystems, and recognize and acknowledge New England’s unique maritime heritage.
The New England Ocean Action Network (NEOAN) comprises individuals and organizations from the region’s environmental community, educational and research institutions, fishing industry, clean energy field, and other ocean users, industries, and stakeholders.
Click here for information on how to become part of NEOAN
Regional Ocean Planning
New England Ocean Action Network supports, monitors, and comments on the Northeast Regional Planning Body’s (RPB)’s efforts to develop a comprehensive, region-wide ocean planning process and will advocate for the development of a plan that:
- Is developed through an open and transparent process that includes the full participation of New England’s ocean and coastal users and coastal communities;
- Uses the best available scientific, economic, and cultural data, as well as legal information, and local knowledge;
- Acknowledges and recognizes the economic and cultural importance of the commercial and recreational fishing industries, as well as other historical ocean users;
- Supports the sustainable development of both our ocean resources and our local and regional economies;
- Seeks to minimize the impacts of human-induced climate change and ocean acidification;
- Maintains adequate federal funding for ocean planning efforts;
- Fosters cooperation between federal, tribal, state, and local agencies and governments;
- Protects, restores, and maintains clean coastal waters and healthy ocean and coastal ecosystems for the benefit of human communities and marine wildlife; and
- Educates ocean users, the public, regional decision makers, and stakeholders about the need and value of a comprehensive regional ocean plan and planning process.
