The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public input on its plans to protect marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them from destructive climate changes, the agency announced recently.
NOAA Fisheries is asking the public to review and respond to drafts of its seven Climate Regional Action Plans (RAPs), designed to proactively expand marine systems' ability to adapt to climate change, NOAA stated in the April 21 announcement. The feedback will allow public involvement and inclusion in finalized RAPs, according to the announcement.
“Our climate and oceans are changing – many areas around the world are experiencing changes in the distribution and abundance of marine resources associated with changing climate and ocean conditions,” Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, said in the announcement.
“Building on our existing efforts," Coit said, "the Regional Action Plans will help provide decision-makers with the information and tools they need to prepare for and respond to changing climate and ocean conditions.”
NOAA states the RAP drafts are in response to increasing requests for information on how to respond to and prepare for climate change's impact on coastal systems. The three-year RAPs explain how, through cross-agency cooperation, NOAA Fisheries will carry out its Climate Science Strategy (NCSS) in the Alaska, Northeast, Pacific Islands, Southeast and West Coast regions.
Proposed actions include tracking changes, determining risks, assessing responses and issuing early warnings, the report states. Detailed information on how the information will be produced and distributed to ensure informed, inclusive decision-making is also included in the RAPs, according to NOAAA.
"The changing climate and oceans impact every aspect of NOAA Fisheries' mission," the agency states in the report, "from managing fisheries and aquaculture, to conserving protected resources and vital habitats.
"There is much at risk and we look forward to public input on our draft Climate Regional Action Plans to help mitigate that risk," NOAA Fisheries states. "Your comments will help inform the final plans and our direction forward."
