Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Considering the deep and enduring connection between Massachusetts and the Atlantic Ocean, some might think it's surprising this is the first year there's ever been an 'Ocean Day' recognized in the state.
But there's no time like the present, so on Tuesday, ocean advocates from across the state were invited to the State House for the inaugural Massachusetts Ocean Day.
Hosts included the New England Aquarium and MASSPIRG Students, with one of the event's goals to educate state decision-makers about some of the biggest issues facing the ocean and our coastlines.
State Senator Bruce Tarr was the keynote speaker.
New England Aquarium's Dr. Jessica Redfern said one of her priorities on Ocean Day was to call attention to the challenges faced by one of the largest and rarest animals in local waters. "Highlighting some of the protections we have in place for the North Atlantic Right Whale here in Massachusetts," she said. "Things like slowing boats down in habitats that are really important to Right Whales."
There are only between 300-400 Right Whales left in the world, considered 'critically endangered,' with only about 80 of them breeding females.
Boat strikes and fishing gear are responsible for injuring and killing marine life like whales.
Massachusetts Fish and Game's Tom O'Shea said making laws helps to create a balance between protecting the environment and the fishing industry. "We have everything from protection to restoration, sustaining our blue economy, and really connecting people to ocean biodiversity, including workforce development."
Blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean, sea, and coastal resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs, while protecting the health of marine ecosystems.
Ocean Day focused on four main topics: biodiversity, plastics, coastal resilience, and the blue economy.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.