In 2015 and 2016 coordinated two workshops that convened scientists and natural resource managers to explore ways to raise public awareness about and to promote the scientific research of the deep-sea corals and canyons ecosystem in the Mid-Atlantic. Supported data processing efforts for the NOAA Okeanos Explorer cruise and worked with NOAA scientists to help identify priority areas for future surveys to help fill biological and geological informational gaps in the Mid-Atlantic.

Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network

In May 2017 co-launched with MARACOOS, the first-ever Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network (MACAN), filling a gap among scientists and ocean users interested in coastal and ocean acidification. Facilitated discussion among a Network of experts and ocean users and provided workshops and webinars to share information across the Network. Developed a regional monitoring plan and identified research gaps in order to coordinate resources in the Mid-Atlantic around priority questions and needs.  For more information: http://midacan.org/

Regional Coordination on Ocean Issues

Since 2013, participated in discussions with federal agencies and tribal representatives to improve the collection and analysis of ecological and human use data for decision-making. Developed a framework to measure ocean health, established a coordinated approach to prevent marine debris through behavior change, and explored issues of importance to recreational users.   Supported information exchange between diverse ocean stakeholders, industry representatives, tribal representatives and the Mid-Atlantic states on a range of coastal and ocean issues. These efforts led to improved communication channels between agencies and supported more efficient use of limited resources.

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal

Launched the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal which provides thousands of layers of data on marine life and habitats and various ocean uses in a centralized format for public use.  Provided a series of tutorial demonstrations for target user groups.  For more information: http://portal.midatlanticocean.org/

Natural and Nature Based Features

Developed a needs assessment to advance the use and understanding of Natural and Nature Based Features as a method to increase coastal resilience^[1]. Created a framework for using citizen science to monitor Natural and Nature Based Features^[2]. Identified promising paths to advance current practice and to improve implementation of strategies for prioritizing wetlands for their usefulness in improving coastal resilience^[3].

^[1] http://midatlanticocean.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Improved-Use-and-Understanding-of-NNBF-in-the-Mid-Atlantic.pdf

^[2] http://midatlanticocean.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Working-Towards-a-Robust-Monitoring-Framework-for-Natural-and-Nature-Based-Features-in-the-Mid-Atlantic-Using-Citizen-Science.pdf

^[3] http://midatlanticocean.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Targeting-Conservation-and-Restoration-in-the-MARCO-Region-Final-Report-December-2016.Cover_.pdf

• Supporting the development and implementation of the 2016 Northeast Ocean Plan, the first regional ocean plan to be developed in the United States.
• Developing and maintaining the Northeast Ocean Data Portal, a website containing an unprecedented library of maps and datasets characterizing human use and ecological patterns that are used to inform offshore development, fisheries management, waterways management, and ecological conservation decisions from offshore Long Island through the Gulf of Maine.
• Convening and supporting the Northeast Regional Planning Body, a regional forum including representatives from all six New England states, federally recognized tribes, federal agencies, and the New England Fishery Management Council.
• Engaging thousands of stakeholders to inform the development and implementation of the Northeast Ocean Plan and to provide and validate information available via the Northeast Ocean Data Portal.  This includes representatives from the energy, telecommunications, fisheries, aquaculture, ports and shipping, recreation and tourism industries, environmental organizations, and academic and research institutions.

Since its inception the WCOA has:

• Established a unique forum to bring ocean co-managers together to discuss current and future uses of the ocean on the West Coast that’s never before been achieved.
• Formally engaged over a dozen tribes, the three West Coast states and 15+ federal entities in regular coordination and communication about the latest ocean and coastal management issues they’re working through.
• Supported the formation of new sub-regional marine planning dialogs to focus on specific areas along the West Coast to facilitate more effective coordination and support of existing and new marine planning.
• Coordinated closely with the West Coast Ocean Data Portal to ensure use of up-to-date ocean data and science in support of ocean and coastal management.
• Engaged with a range of stakeholders, including industry, local government, academia and NGOs to gain important input on the most pressing ocean issues and desired outcomes of marine planning for the West Coast.

Since its inception the WCOA has:

• Established a unique forum to bring ocean co-managers together to discuss current and future uses of the ocean on the West Coast that’s never before been achieved.
• Formally engaged over a dozen tribes, the three West Coast states and 15+ federal entities in regular coordination and communication about the latest ocean and coastal management issues they’re working through.
• Supported the formation of new sub-regional marine planning dialogs to focus on specific areas along the West Coast to facilitate more effective coordination and support of existing and new marine planning.
• Coordinated closely with the West Coast Ocean Data Portal to ensure use of up-to-date ocean data and science in support of ocean and coastal management.
• Engaged with a range of stakeholders, including industry, local government, academia and NGOs to gain important input on the most pressing ocean issues and desired outcomes of marine planning for the West Coast.

Since its inception the WCOA has:

• Established a unique forum to bring ocean co-managers together to discuss current and future uses of the ocean on the West Coast that’s never before been achieved.
• Formally engaged over a dozen tribes, the three West Coast states and 15+ federal entities in regular coordination and communication about the latest ocean and coastal management issues they’re working through.
• Supported the formation of new sub-regional marine planning dialogs to focus on specific areas along the West Coast to facilitate more effective coordination and support of existing and new marine planning.
• Coordinated closely with the West Coast Ocean Data Portal to ensure use of up-to-date ocean data and science in support of ocean and coastal management.
• Engaged with a range of stakeholders, including industry, local government, academia and NGOs to gain important input on the most pressing ocean issues and desired outcomes of marine planning for the West Coast.