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May 12, 2006
Project Coordinator: Sandra Lary (sandra_lary@fws.gov; 207-781-8364 x19)
Gulf of Maine Coastal Program Played Active Role in Planning Maine’s First Coastal Waters Conference
On April 10, Maine’s first Coastal Waters Conference attracted approximately 500 people currently involved in Maine coast resource management issues. Gulf of Maine Coastal Program Project Leader served on the Conference Steering Committee, and Senior Biologist Sandra Lary played a key role in coordinating the afternoon break-out session on Diadromous Fish. The Conference targeted state regulators and provided them with key information pertaining issues facing the coast. The Conference also attracted others who use scientific information for coastal decision-making -- including academics, environmental consultants, resource managers from municipal, state and federal agencies and NGOs, and students. Keynote addresses were presented in the morning by:
- David Townsend, Professor of Oceanography and Director of School of Marine Sciences who spoke about “Coastal Ecosystems in the Gulf of Maine.”
- George LaPointe, Commissioner of Maine Dept. of Marine Resources who spoke about “Management of Maine’s Coastal Waters,”
- Evan Richert, Associate Research Professor -- Planning, Development and Environment, Muskie School of Public Service who spoke about “Changing Demographic Patterns in Coastal Maine. ”
Afternoon breakout sessions allowed conference participants to delve into issues of interest in greater detail. Major conference themes included:
- Our Changing Coast
- Water Quality/Toxics
- Coastal Habitats
- Linking Land Use to Coastal Resource Health
- Diadromous Fish
- Emerging Issues
The Conference was sponsored and planned by Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Department of Marine Resources, Maine Sea Grant Program, Maine State Planning Office’s Coastal Program, The Nature Conservancy, Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, US Geological Survey - Eastern Region, US Fish & Wildlife Service / National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.