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NOAA has announced the results of the Commerce Department’s first official Marine Economy Satellite Account, which finds that the country’s ocean economy contributed ~$397 billion to U.S. GDP and supported 2.4 million jobs in 2019, and grew 4.2% compared to the overall economy’s 2.2% growth. Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo called the marine economy “absolutely vital for building back […]

U.S. Sec. of State Antony Blinken today issued a statement recognizing World Ocean Day, in part noting the administration’s goal to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 and the need to “address the ocean plastic pollution crisis.”  As to 30×30, Blinken said that expanding marine protected areas “are an important part of meeting

In a letter sent to President Biden today, the Governors of Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia expressing support for federal efforts to expand offshore wind development, providing recommendations “to build on the significant momentum,” urging “continued federal leadership to prioritize the development of and provide a predictable long-term plan for the industry,” and pledging to collaborate and

The United States, United Kingdom, Chile, Costa Rica, and France today announced a new global partnership to advance the role of marine protected areas and biodiversity in tackling climate change. The goals of the International Partnership on MPAs, Biodiversity, and Climate Change are (1) for decision-makers to understand the link between the ocean, MPAs, and climate change and have the support necessary

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service today announced that the Pacific Fishery Management Council and its advisory entities will hold online public meetings on June 21-26 and June 28-30.  Items to be addressed include an update on President Biden’s Jan. 27, 2021 Executive Order on “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad” and marine planning, both of which will be addressed

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service on today announced that the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a hybrid virtual and in-person public meeting on June 21-25 in Key West, FL. On Tuesday, June 22, the Council’s Habitat Protection and Restoration Committee will hold a discussion session on Section 216(c) of President Biden’s Jan. 27, 2021 Executive Order on “Tackling the Climate Crisis

In response to a request by the Alaska Oil & Gas Association, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service today announced that it is seeking comments by Thursday, July 1 on its proposed issuance of regulations authorizing over a 5-year period the nonlethal, incidental, unintentional take by harassment of small numbers of polar bears and Pacific walruses during oil and

The United Nations today held a “High-Level Thematic Debate in Support of SDG14: Life Below Water,” an event intended to generate momentum toward the delayed UN Conference on the Ocean that will be held at a yet-to-be-determined future date. Recurring themes during the event included support for the global effort to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030,

President Biden today proclaimed June 2021 as National Ocean Month, noting the ocean’s role as an engine for economic activity, source of food, destination for recreational activity, and regulator of weather patterns and climate, and pledging to “find innovative ways to conserve, protect, and restore our ocean.” Biden cited his administration’s dedication to “supporting resilient ocean

NOAA’s National Ocean Service today announced that the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System Advisory Committee will hold a virtual public meeting on Monday, June 14.  The meeting, which will include three public comment periods, will focus on the Committee Recommendations Report to NOAA and Interagency Ocean Observation Committee leadership, the administration’s FY 2022 budget request, coastal resilience, and planning for the Fall