We ask a lot from our oceans -- from food and energy to shipping and recreation. As demand on ocean space grows, we need a way to manage the increasing amount of industrial pressure on our seas while protecting them from harm and degradation.

"Marine spatial planning" allocates spaces in the ocean for its various uses by identifying areas where industrial activities make sense and areas that should be safeguarded. Without such a process, we essentially see "ocean sprawl," which stresses our imperiled ocean resources more than necessary and jeopardizes the food, jobs and recreation they provide.

Identifying a smart process for ocean planning is especially critical now as America moves forward in developing clean, renewable energy off our coasts. Marine spatial planning can help develop new offshore renewable energy sources; by minimizing conflicts between new and existing uses from the start, we can get clean energy up and running faster.

The Obama administration just released a draft framework for marine spatial planning, and is accepting public comments through February 12th.

What to do:
Send a message, before the February 12th comment deadline, urging the Obama administration to adopt a strong framework for effective coastal and ocean planning that will protect, maintain and restore the health of our oceans.

Source: National Resource Defense Council