This page outlines the California GIS Council Coastal and Marine Geospatial Working Group.
Introduction
California’s state and federal agencies share significant concerns about managing our coastal and marine resources. Many emerging issues ranging from marine aquaculture to climate change adaptation to offshore energy facility siting make the managing of ocean resources a complex issue. Our agencies need a renewed sense of collaboration and coordination in order to meet their mandates and provide the best possible ocean management we all deserve. One of the most significant assets in developing this renewed sense of effort is the use of geographic information systems (GIS) technology. GIS management and sharing solutions are highly relevant to California’s ability to manage our ocean resources and inform national-scale ocean policy. Local, State and Federal agencies have expertise and information that could provide the underpinnings of more comprehensive ocean planning. GIS is truly a collaborative process and by working together under the California GIS Council, we can provide the foundation for improving our access to data, informing policy and sustaining ocean life for California.
The California Coastal and Marine Geospatial Working Group (CCMG-WG) seeks to facilitate the exchange and analysis of statewide geographic information to assist with the protection of coastal and marine resources, support environmental assessment efforts, and improve comprehensive planning in coastal and marine areas.
Geospatial data and tools will become an integral component of coastal and marine spatial planning and decision-making in California. The CCMG-WG is a recognized resource for coastal and marine geospatial information and a valued member of the California GIS Council.
Policy Landscape
Several significant policy issues surround ocean management. To learn more about them, please visit the below links.
California Ocean Protection Council -
http://www.opc.ca.gov/
California Ocean Resources Management Program -
http://www.resources.ca.gov/ocean/
California Coastal Conservancy -
http://www.resources.ca.gov/ocean/
California Ocean Science Trust -
http://www.calost.org/
Report:
Collaborative Geospatial Information and Tools for California Coastal and Ocean Managers
Objectives of the Working Group
Mission Statement: The CCMG-WG seeks to facilitate the exchange and analysis of statewide geographic information to assist with the protection of coastal and marine resources, support environmental assessment efforts, and improve comprehensive planning in coastal and marine areas.
Vision Statement: Geospatial data and tools will become an integral component of coastal and marine spatial planning and decision-making in California. The CCMG-WG is a recognized resource for coastal and marine geospatial information and a valued member of the California GIS Council.
Contacts
Pam Rittelmeyer - prittelmeyer@scc.ca.gov;
Christina Cairns - christina.cairns@noaa.gov;
Rebecca Gentry - rebecca.gentry@calost.org