The Massachusetts Senate overwhelmingly approved a landmark, first in-the-nation bill to create a comprehensive management plan for the state’s ocean waters. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Massachusetts Ocean Act (S. 2281), which aims to end uncoordinated decision-making by state agencies that is threatening the health of state ocean waters, is the result of nearly three years of consultation and coordination with scientists, fishermen, environmental and marine trade industries. According to a January 2007 poll, nearly eight-in-ten (78%) registered Massachusetts voters favor a comprehensive plan that would require future development and economic uses of the ocean to be determined by deliberate planning.