Statement on first-ever U.S. Ocean Climate Action Plan

Plan aims to harness power of the ocean to address climate change

BOSTON, MASS. (March 21, 2023) – The New England Aquarium is reacting to the Biden-Harris Administration’s release of a first-of-its-kind U.S. Ocean Climate Action Plan that acknowledges the essential role the ocean plays in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises and provides a roadmap to help solve these challenges.

Statement

“New steps taken by the Biden-⁠Harris Administration to protect ocean health and further a responsible blue economy will empower the United States to tackle the climate crisis and increasing loss of marine biodiversity. Now is the time to mobilize around the blue economy of the future: one where the ocean’s resources are used to meet our clean energy and food security needs, while safeguarding marine life and critical habitats, as well as coastlines and communities. The New England Aquarium looks forward to working with the Administration as it fulfills its commitments to engage local stakeholders, support communities, and protect the ocean.” – Vikki N. Spruill, President and CEO of the New England Aquarium

Overview: Ocean Climate Action Plan

The much anticipated, first-of-its-kind national Ocean Climate Action Plan is an expansion of action taken during the first two years of the administration, which have included restoring essential protections for the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. Acknowledging the essential role the ocean plays in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises, the Plan provides concrete steps to be taken to protect the marine environment and support our emerging blue economy, with an emphasis on:

• Harnessing the ocean’s power to create a net-positive carbon-neutral future, including through the responsible development of offshore wind; and
• Investing in nature-based solutions, such as expanding marine protected areas and blue carbon initiatives.

The full Plan can be viewed here.

*Images from an aerial survey of Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument are available here, with credit to New England Aquarium.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pam Bechtold Snyder – psnyder@neaq.org, 617-686-5068