‘There are changes coming to the Mid-Atlantic ocean and in order to address those changes there is an increased focus on ocean planning in this region. Ocean planning brings together the various ocean user groups to coordinate ocean uses and minimize conflicts. In order for the recreational fishing community to be taken seriously in the planning process, we need to speak up now. If we wait until after the decisions are made it may be too late for our needs, preferences and uses to receive the attention we deserve.
For recreational and commercial fishing, shipping, defense, wind farms, offshore energy, boating, sand and mineral mining and other uses to coexist, it will be critical for us to make our needs known and then work with the other groups while considering each groups unique needs.
It is important for the Mid-Atlantic states, other stakeholder groups and numerous state and Federal agencies to understand what areas, habitats and conditions are important to recreational anglers. The information we provide will be considered in the placement and timing of new structures or projects.’