Established in 2008 as part of the Oceans Act, the
Commission works closely with the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
to develop and maintain the state’s ocean management plan. Its 18 members
include legislators, municipal officials and representatives of state agencies,
along with environmental and fishing industry stakeholders.
The ocean management plan establishes formal standards for
new ocean development projects and is designed to protect critical marine
habitats within the Commonwealth’s territorial waters. The plan serves as a guideline for how the
state’s environmental agencies interpret, monitor and enforce the state’s
environmental laws.
“The Ocean Advisory Commission plays a critical role in
helping to preserve and protect one of our most important natural resources,”
said Representative Jones. “I am
confident that Representative Muratore will do an exemplary job in carrying out
his duties and responsibilities as a member of the Commission.”
The initial ocean management plan was filed in December of
2009. A revised version was released in
January of this year, in keeping with the enabling legislation’s directive that
the plan be updated at least once every five years.
Representative Muratore represents
the First Plymouth District, which
consists of Precincts 2 through 8, 10, 12, 14 and 15 in the town of Plymouth. A former Plymouth Selectman, he was elected
to the Legislature in November of 2014.
