Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment Action Plan 2007-2012
Gulf of Maine Watershed
Who We Are
The governors and premiers of the five states and provinces bordering the Gulf of Maine Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia - created the Council in 1989.
Structure and Representation
Canadian Provincial Government
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New Brunswick Department of Environment New Brunswick Department of Fisheries Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Nova Scotia Environment and Labour
US State Government
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Maine State Planning Office Maine Department of Marine Resources Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Structure and Representation
Canadian Federal Government
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Environment Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada
United States Federal Government
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration US Department of the Interior Environmental Protection Agency
Council Organizational Chart
Council Value
Watershed based Regional in scope to tackle issues no one jurisdiction can solve alone Supports ecosystembased management Builds trans-boundary dialogues and relationships
Regional Agenda
Council produces 5-year Plan
Identifies regional priorities Identifies annual work plans Contains 25 +/- activities Performed by government and NGO partners
Signature Projects
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Gulf of Maine Times
Quarterly newspaper with over 10,000 subscribers.
Ecosystem Indicator Partnership
Produce indicators for the Gulf of Maine and report on coastal and marine ecosystem quality.
Gulfwatch
Measures contaminants in blue mussels in coastal waters of the Gulf of Maine.
Signature Projects
Gulf of Maine Council/NOAA Habitat Restoration Partnership Grant Program for Habitat Restoration in the Gulf of Maine for years 2002-2006.
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Total Awards $1.5 million Total Projects 56 Total Match $3.9 million Value $5.5 million
Action Plan 2007-2012
The Action Plan contains three long-range goals developed by incorporating public input and the findings of numerous studies, workshops, and key policy developments, including Canada’s Oceans Action Plan and the U.S. Ocean Action Plan.
Action Plan 2007-2012 Goals
1- Coastal and marine habitats are in a healthy
productive and resilient condition
2- Environmental conditions in the Gulf of Maine
support ecosystem and human health
3- Gulf of Maine coastal communities are vibrant
and have marine dependent industries that are healthy and globally competitive.
Goal 1: Coastal and marine habitats are in a healthy productive and resilient condition
Focuses on four related issues that affect the health of the Gulf of Maine, its watershed, and the marine economic sector.
Invasive Species Land Based Activities Habitat Restoration Marine Habitat Conservation
Goal 2: Environmental Conditions in the Gulf of Maine Support Ecosystem and Human Health
Focuses on preventing and reducing water pollution from permitted point source discharges, nonpoint sources, and atmospheric deposition.
Goal 3: Gulf of Maine Coastal Communities are
Vibrant and have Marine - dependent Industries that are Healthy and Globally Competitive
Addresses several aspects of the economic well-being of towns and cities along the coast of the Gulf of Maine. The Council views the leaders of marinedependent industries as key decision-makers in ensuring a healthy and productive Gulf of Maine.
Marine-dependent industries need to continually innovate to remain competitive and support vibrant coastal communities.
Gulf of Maine Coastal Communities are Vibrant and have Marine - dependent Industries that are Healthy and Globally Competitive Working waterfronts are essential to marinedependent industries and often define the character of coastal communities. Increasing the use of alternate energy sources is critical for economic growth, energy stability, and environmental quality in the Gulf of Maine region.
Overview of Work Plan
The Council has developed an 18-month work plan for January 2007-July 2008. The plan contains 31 activities that work toward the outcomes and goals of the Action Plan.
Total budget required Total funds in-hand Funds to be raised
$2.2M $800,000 $1.4M
Opportunities for Collaboration