Reporting Actions 2

Can Marine Spatial Planning on Washington’s Pacific Coast reduce significant adverse impact? The metrics included here are actions that indicate the status of five priority focus areas as defined by the SEPA scoping document. For each goal, multiple actions are listed to show what we are doing and update participants on the progress of each step. Visit the MSP projects page for more information about specific projects.

Marine Spatial Plan Action Items

To ensure a resilient and healthy marine ecosystem on Washington’s coast that
supports sustainable economic, recreational, and cultural opportunities for coastal communities, visitors and future generations.
Economy
Maritime Culture

Marine Ecosystem

Management Framework

Future Development

Economy

Goal:

Protect and preserve existing sustainable uses to ensure economic vibrancy and resource access for coastal communities.

Objective:

Protect and preserve healthy existing natural resource-based economic activity on the Washington Coast.

Goal	Action	Progress
Understand, define, document all existing marine activities taking place in the study area	Sector analysis on existing marine uses Need for participation in multiple “legs” of the industry
Economic Contributions of Uses	Economic analysis by county Concern about closures for other new uses (e.g. marine renewable energy) Assumption that the MSP process will result in space being set aside for certain uses
Identify and Assess Indicators of Economic Health	Create indicators for social well-being Potential effects on pteropods (key juvenile salmon food source)
Identify Existing Laws to Minimize Impacts	Potential effects on Dungeness crab larvae Potential effects on pteropods (key juvenile salmon food source)
Stakeholder Participation	Threat of oil spills and lack of response preparation

Maritime Culture

Goal:

Maintain maritime coastal communities from now into perpetuity.

Objective:

Sustain diverse traditional uses and experiences to ensure continuity of Washington’s coastal identity, culture, and high quality of life.

Goal	Action	Progress
Understand Cultural Uses	Document areas and uses of historical significance Documnet areas and uses of cultural significance Document current visual resources
Protecting Aesthetics	Provide recommendations that protect the aesthetic quality of the marine environment Provide recommendations that protect maritime activities Provide recommendations that protect marine culture and sense of place
Document Vulnerability to Coastal Hazards	Document coastal community vulnerability as they relate to proposed future activities
Identify Social Well-Being	Identify indicators of social well-being Verify the results of the social well-being indicators with each coastal county

Marine Ecosystem

Goal:

Ensure that our marine ecosystem is preserved for future generations.

Objective:

Foster healthy and resilient marine ecosystem functions, biodiversity and habitats.

Goal	Action	Progress
Understand Nature	Understand current status of the natural resources Understand current status of ecosystem conditions Understand impacts of natural variability and natural stressors over the short-term Understand impacts of natural variability and natural stressors over the long-term Document information on ecosystem values and services
Understand Human Impacts to Nature	Understand the implications of various human activities to the marine ecosystem Document species and habitats that face higher potential risk or impact from proposed activities
Document Vulnerability to Coastal Hazards	Document coastal community vulnerability as they relate to proposed future activities
Identify Ecologically Important Areas	Assess areas of ecological importance or particular sensitivity
Define Ecosystem Health	Idenitfy ecological indicators of ecosystem health Assess ecological indicators for Washington’s Coast
Avoid Adverse Environmental Impacts	Understand existing laws to avoid and minimize adverse environmental impacts Provide special protection for marine life and resources of the Columbia River, Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor estuary, and the Olympic National Park

Management Framework

Goal:

Develop an integrated decision making process which supports proactive, adaptive and efficient spatial planning.

Objective:

Develop a locally supported and collaborative process that is coordinated with existing authorities for aligning management decisions.

Goal	Action	Progress
Gather Information on Climate Change	Synthesize information on climate change Predict impacts to marine resources and existing uses. Address how climate change may influence plan scenarios and potential impacts of new uses
Engage Stakeholders in All Phases	Engage local, state, federal, and tribal governments to ensure relevant management information are integrated Verify that the uses comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations
Share Technical Information Across State Lines	Coordinate with neighboring states and provinces to share technical information
Recommend Improvements	Recommend approaches for improving the efficiency of the permitting process, where and if appropriate
Involve Existing and Proposed New Uses Stakeholders	Identify individuals and organizations representing existing and proposed new uses Involve individuals working elsewhere on similar issues Involve the identified parties in all phases of the planning process
Describe the Management Framework	Describe how existing state laws, policies and regulations address existing and proposed uses Articulate a strategy for interagency communication, adaptation, implementation, and review of the Marine Spatial Plan Align and incorporate Washington’s MSP with other state management plans and goals
Include Public Input	Provide public opportunities for engagement and input throughout the planning process Identify barriers to participation Work with local stakeholders to address and reduce barriers to public participation Document comments and provide responses, as appropriate
Engage with Scientists	Engage scientific experts in review of data and methods Develop data standards for data collection and analysis
Use Best Available Science	Use best available science and information throughout the planning process and drafting of the plan Provide common information base to assist management decisions

Development

Goal:

Encourage economic development that recognizes the aspirations of local communities and protects coastal resources.

Objective:

Enhance sustainable economic opportunities to achieve a resilient economy and improved quality of life.

Goal	Action	Progress
Understand Potential New Uses	Understand potential new uses (benefits, adverse impacts) Evaluate direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts in environmental review documents
Develop Recommendations	Develop a coastal decision-making tools Analyze compatible roles for uses Recommend appropriate and compatible roles for future activities (renewable energy, new locations of dredge disposal or aquaculture, and others)
Develop Mitigation Measures	Identify appropriate mitigation measures to address impacts posed by proposed future uses Develop mitigation measures in accordance with state laws and regulations

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Marine Spatial Plan Action Items

Economy

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Maritime Culture

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Marine Ecosystem

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Management Framework

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Development

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