‘Everyone loves the ocean. It’s a place to relax, spend time with family, recreate and make a living. The ocean holds countless wonders, untapped discoveries and seamless, unending potential. But, collectively, our love and desires for all the “riches” that come from the ocean can put a strain on the resources and cause conflicts with overlapping ocean uses. Ocean planning is a process by which people who have any stake in the ocean can have their collective voices heard. Ocean planning provides a platform for those that care about the ocean to ensure that their values are heard and considered.
The mission of the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve is to improve the management of New Jersey coastal environments and communities through science, education and stewardship. Ocean planning – though understanding stakeholders’ concerns and priorities – is one such way to improve the management of our coastal areas.’