Governor's Welcome

David A. Paterson, Governor, New York

"For centuries New York and the region have relied on the ocean to provide services like food, commerce, recreation, and transportation. We are creating the Mid-Alantic Regional Council on the Ocean to effectively tackle new and emerging shared ocean issues and keep our ocean healthy for generations to come. I am pleased to work with my fellow Mid-Atlantic governors to leverage greater state influence on the management and future of our offshore ocean resources. "

Chris Christie, Governor, New Jersey

Jack A. Markell, Governor, Delaware

"Delaware is known for its great beaches and scenic views of the Atlantic. This historic agreement will protect our ocean and enhance our opportunities to utilize renewable energy sources and grow our green economy."

Martin O’Malley, Governor, Maryland

"All of us share a sense of purpose, responsibility and accountability to protect and conserve our ocean resources and heritage. Working together with our sister States -- pooling our resources and our expertise -- we can and will ensure that our ocean is healthy, resilient and productive for our children and theirs.”

Timothy M. Kaine, Governor, Virginia

"As an avid outdoorsman, I have a profound respect for our nation's natural treasures--including the diverse marine habitats and ancient canyons of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean. As Governor of Virginia, I'm committed to working with other states and the federal government to ensure the long-term sustainability of our shared ocean resources.”

What is the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean?

The ocean waters of the Mid-Atlantic, stretching from New York to Virginia, provide a wealth of economic and environmental services to local communities, States, and the nation. At the same time, the people of the Mid-Atlantic region are a significant force that influences our ocean and coastal environment. We change the coastline and watershed through our buildings and development, we harvest the ocean’s resources through increasingly efficient means, and we rely on offshore waters to support diverse activities such as maritime commerce and recreation. As the intensity of these human influences has increased, they have at times led to significant threats to the health of our ecosystems. Now our ocean and coastal resources face a new generation of challenges, and these challenges are only growing in their urgency.

To successfully address these challenges, and to ensure that future generations can enjoy healthy and productive ocean ecosystems, the Governors of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia have committed to a new comprehensive, regional approach, creating the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean. Our five states will work to maintain and improve the health of our ocean and coastal resources, and ensure that they continue to contribute to the high quality of life and economic vitality of our region’s communities well into the future.

Mid-Atlantic Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Conservation (June, 2009)

Actions, Timelines, and Leadership to Advance The Mid-Atlantic Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Conservation (August, 2009)