Greetings SG Blog readers,<\/p>\n
Although Oregon\u2019s marine spatial planning process continues to unfold, the State is undoubtedly getting closer to developing a finalized, spatially explicit comprehensive plan for Oregon\u2019s territorial sea.\u00a0 In its completed form, the plan will document how the State intends to protect important ecological areas, fishing grounds, beneficial uses such as recreation, and identify some preliminary areas for ocean renewable energy development within nearshore waters.<\/p>\n
Over the last several months I\u2019ve provided assistance to both DLCD and ODFW in support of this planning effort.\u00a0 In February, I attended seven TSPWG-sponsored public work sessions in Portland, Eugene, Warrenton, Cannon Beach, Waldport, and Reedsport.\u00a0 I assisted DLCD by developing promotional materials and recording public comment during the meetings.\u00a0 As for ODFW, the major pressing event has been the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee\u2018s peer review of the Nearshore Ecological Data Atlas.\u00a0 I developed two specific documents for the review: a list of data gaps related to territorial sea planning, and a list of data that was considered by ODFW, but not used in the analysis of nearshore ecological resources.\u00a0 In the name of data management, I\u2019ve also been working with ODFW staff to develop a relational database, using Access, to organize the vast amount of STUFF (spatial data, literature, scientific findings, etc.) that we’ve accumulated through this planning process.<\/p>\n
….I don’t want to bore you too much…but that\u2019s a quick summary of what\u2019s been going on in my fellowship world….<\/p>\n
And now I\u2019d like to reflect on the title of this post – \u201cWinds of Change.\u201d \u00a0For Oregon, this is\u00a0definitely\u00a0the dawn of a new era in terms of ocean planning and management, and for the addition of new human uses within the marine environment. \u00a0In one way, the title is a nod in that direction. \u00a0However, it also refers to a huge change in my life. \u00a0Several weeks ago, I received an unexpected surprise – I was offered a\u00a0full-time, permanent position with NOAA\u2019s Pacific Services Center (PSC).\u00a0 For many reasons, the offer was something that I just couldn\u2019t pass up! \u00a0 In my new position as a GIS analyst, I will focus on developing GIS-based tools to support coastal and marine planning in the Pacific region, and provide general technical assistance to PSC partners in Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Marinas Islands.<\/p>\n
As the winds of change blow, my time as a Sea Grant fellow is quickly coming to an end. In the near future, I will be leaving the quaint coastal town of Newport, Oregon and relocating to the tourist mecca of Hawaii.\u00a0 It will be quite the change!\u00a0 I will miss the Oregon coast, surfing South Beach, the friendly Oregon sharks, porcini mushrooms, \u00a0my coworkers, and new friends….but of course, I also look forward to a new and exciting opportunity. \u00a0On a final note, I want to say thank you! to both Sea Grant and ODFW for making my fellowship experience priceless!\u00a0 It\u2019s been a complete joy.\u00a0 I will definitely stay in touch, and by all means\u2026.if anyone comes tromping through Hawaii, please do not hesitate to look me up!<\/p>\n
Cheers (soon to be ALOHA),<\/p>\n
Ben<\/p>\n
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Greetings SG Blog readers, Although Oregon\u2019s marine spatial planning process continues to unfold, the State is undoubtedly getting closer to developing a finalized, spatially explicit comprehensive plan for Oregon\u2019s territorial sea.\u00a0 In its completed form, the plan will document how … Continue reading