All this talk about Marine Spatial Planning can be a bit
confusing. The truth is that the
entire process of Marine Spatial Planning is really based upon the people,
first and foremost. Understanding how
Marine Spatial Planning relates specifically to you and your recreational enjoyment
is vital to the process.
Access to Recreational Areas
With a coastline of over 3,000 miles Washington has a variety of coastal recreation areas. Despite its
apparent abundance, continued development of the coast has limited public
access to our coastal areas and beaches. This is one reason to take part in Marine
Spatial Planning-to help keep industry
out of our important recreational areas.
Various industry activities like oil drilling, coal transport, or energy
exploration pose threats to the ecosystems valued for their recreational
opportunities. Decreasing the influx of
industry in areas with high recreational value is vital.
Health of Recreational Areas
Keeping our recreational areas healthy is an important part
of our experience outdoors. After all,
we cannot let our children play in polluted water. Nor would we enjoy taking in a view of water
inundated by shredded plastics. We value
the areas that we recreate in, and part of that means taking care of them
properly and making sure that their value is properly accounted for in the
Marine Spatial Planning process.
Enjoyment for All
The ocean is one of the largest natural resources, and
provides a myriad of benefits for humans and animals alike. This is why we need to ensure that
recreationalists are not priced out of areas and the oceans and beaches
can continue to be enjoyed by everyone. Surfrider
was born from an innate love of the water, and part of our mission is to
protect that resource for the enjoyment of all.
Just because the coast has high economic value, does not mean that only
a subset of the population should enjoy it: the waves are for everyone.
Help with the Marine Spatial Planning process by
understanding how it relates to you, and make sure to participate in the public
commenting period. Remember-this process
aims to bring multiple stakeholders together to create solutions that work for
us all. So help out the process and make
sure that you are heard! For more information or how to make a public comment please contact Casey Dennehy, Pacific Coast Coordinator in Washington at cdennehy@surfrider.org
