WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2016
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK
10 N. WATER ST.
NORWALK, CT 06854

REGISTER HERE

Join us for an evening to learn about, discuss and help shape the Long Island Sound Blue Plan – a new State and stakeholder initiative to better guide future uses of the Sound. This is the Blue Plan Advisory Committee’s kick-off event to educate and engage the public about the Plan, which is intended to protect the Sound’s natural resources and its traditional human uses such as boating, fishing, recreation and maritime commerce, among others.

Come learn about the Blue Plan process, watch the short documentary Ocean Frontiers II and join the conversation about what the Plan will accomplish. There will be plenty of chances to ask questions, make comments and discover how you can help shape the Blue Plan.

Free & open to the public.
Reception with appetizers and soft drinks at 6:30 PM. Program begins at 7:00 PM.

PROGRAM

• Welcome – Dr. Brian Davis, President & CEO, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
• Purpose of the evening – Rob Klee, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
• Ocean Frontiers II – documentary film screening
• The Blue Plan – Commissioner Rob Klee
• Stakeholders & the Public – Christine Nelson, AICP, Land Use Director, Town of Old Saybrook
• Issues, Visions & Goals for the Blue Plan – Nathan Frohling, Coastal & Marine Initiatives Director, The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut
• Audience Input/Q&A Session with Panelists (60 min) – Facilitated by Nathan Frohling, Chair, Blue Plan Stakeholder Engagement Subcommittee

PANELISTS
Bill Gardella, Jr. – Board Member, Connecticut Marine Trades Association & Blue Plan Advisory Committee Member
Melissa Gates – Northeast Regional Manager, Surfrider Foundation
Dick Harris – Marine Specialist, Norm Bloom and Son, LLC / Copps Island Oysters
Mike Theiler – Jeanette T Fisheries & Blue Plan Advisory Committee Member
Brian Thompson – Director, Land and Water Resouces Division, Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

THE BLUE PLAN
Find out more about the plan: www.ct.gov/deep/lisblueplan

THE FILM
Ocean Frontiers II tells the inspiring story of citizens working together for healthier economies and healthier seas in Rhode Island and the Northeast. In a region steeped in old maritime tradition, comes a modern wave of big ships, offshore wind energy and a changing climate, now testing the limits of an already crowded sea.
Trailer: http://ocean-frontiers.org/trailer

EVENT HOSTS
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Connecticut DEEP, Connecticut Sea Grant, The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut, Connecticut Marine Trades Association, Long Island Sound Study, Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association, Surfrider Foundation, Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association, Norm Bloom and Son, LLC/Copps Island Oysters, North American Marine Environment Protection Association, New England Science and Sailing, Town of Old Saybrook, Harbor Watch (a program of Earthplace) and Green Fire Productions.

DIRECTIONS / PARKING

The Aquarium recommends parking in the Maritime Garage, the municipally owned parking garage located adjacent to the Aquarium’s main entrance. There is a minimal after-hours rate. You can find directions and more at http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/visit-the-aquarium/directions.