The Oceans Act of 2008

Gov. Deval Patrick of Mass signed the country's first comprehensive offshore ocean resource bill, titled The Ocean Act of 2008.

From the AP

"The management plan will cover everything from cruise ships and recreational sailing to commercial activities like liquefied natural gas terminals, wind turbines and the sand and gravel industry — even the cod, a fish so central to the state's early development that a carving of the "sacred cod" still hangs in the Massachusetts House chambers."

I have not had a chance to look at this law very closely, but I am impressed that comprehensive legislation gained traction. With marine and coastal resources, management responsibility is often spread among numerous players, thus fragmenting the effectiveness. In many cases, more comprehensive measures are needed.

Now we need a similar federal measure.....