How to Manage the Ocean

I've always believed that offshore permitting issues generate so much controversy simply because the ocean accomodates such a range of uses, including recreation, fishing, transportation and potentially energy. Thus, the ocean environment differs from the places that energy projects are typically sited, e.g., remote locations or in industrial areas. That's not to say that the ocean can't accomodate renewable energy projects - in fact, in my view, those projects would help promote best comprehensive use of the waterway (to paraphrase the standard in Section 10 of the Federal Power Act). In any event, this article, Forum asks, how manage new multiple ocean uses? , Joel Gallob (12/10/04), the first in a series, examines some of the issues involved in current ocean management and how those may affect offshore renewable development.