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NOAA invites stakeholders to a discussion on March 17th (1:00pm – 2:30pm EST) to view one of their new applications, OceanReports, which is a web-based interactive spatial planning tool. Dr. James Morris, a member of the OceanReports leadership team, will be speaking and facilitating this discussion for the aquaculture community. The specific focus of this meeting is to demonstrate the functionality of OceanReports and obtain input on opportunities for improvement. A brief description of the meeting objectives is below:

Learning Objectives

• Gain a deeper understanding of planning data and information needs relating to site selection, permit review, and NEPA documentation
• Educate participants on all aspects of OceanReports in the form of a mini-training session
• Identify how OceanReports could be enhanced to more effectively support siting and decision-making
• Check out the FAQ, One Pager, and Video to view additional information about OceanReports

Please contact meghan.balling@noaa.gov to register and for additional information on upcoming opportunities to learn about this tool.

Overview of OceanReports

OceanReports is a web-based, automated geospatial tool for analyzing and visualizing U.S. ocean space. It allows users to select or draw an ocean space and instantaneously obtain a neighborhood analysis containing over 65 infographics. The analyses provide in-depth information on energy and minerals, natural resources, industry uses, oceanography, and the ocean economy. Ocean industries such as energy, shipping, aquaculture, fisheries, and seabed mining can use the tool to navigate conflicting uses and environmental considerations, and assess economic opportunity in U.S. waters. Federal agencies can use the tool to assist with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.

This tool has been recognized as a resource for sustainable and efficient domestic aquaculture production. Since its release in April of 2019, it has been used by the aquaculture community, coastal zone managers, and educators to understand ocean space and to support siting decisions. NOAA and BOEM are collaborating with the coastal zone management, exploration, mapping, and research communities to continue to assess its utility and compile recommendations for data and application additions or enhancements.