Contact Susan McPherson, 207-622-5330 susan@greatgatherings.com

NORTHPORT - On Wednesday, October 28, coastal managers, scientists, fishermen, marine industry representatives, and residents of Maine’s coastal communities will gather at the Point Lookout Resort for the Maine Coastal Waters Conference.

Those attending the conference will have the opportunity to hear national perspectives on issues of concern to Maine’s coastal communities. Monica Medina, senior advisor to NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, has been working with the New England fishing community as leader of NOAA’s Catch Share Task Force. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Ms. Medina served as a senior officer in the Pew Environment Group, where she provided advice and assistance on issues of marine law and policy. Ms. Medina previously was the Deputy Director of the U.S. Office of the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Also in the morning, Susanne Moser, a geographer, consultant, and research associate at the University of California-Santa Cruz Institute for Marine Sciences, will present her research on the interactions of science and policy, with an emphasis on coastal impacts of climate change and effective adaptation strategies, including Maine case studies. Moser previously served as a research scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research and as staff scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Former Governor Angus King will outline his vision for a renewed coastal economy in Maine, including the role of offshore wind energy, which he has been supporting and promoting within the private sector.

These presentations will inform morning and afternoon concurrent sessions with themes that include climate change, sea-level rise, ocean energy, and how communities can participate in ecosystem management. Questions to be addressed include: What are the possible changes in the Gulf of Maine ecosystem in the coming decades and the ramifications for Maine communities? What impacts will sea level rise have on our coastal communities and how can communities best anticipate and respond? What are the policy initiatives relating to efforts in Maine to generate energy from ocean currents, tides, and wind? What are Maine communities doing to manage various uses of the coast? What are the benefits of local and regional approaches to ecosystem-based management? On-site registration is available, space permitting. For more information, visit http://www.maine.gov/dmr/coastalconf/.

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