MARCO leverages existing state and federal resources, knowledge, and partnerships to build a stronger base of information and experience to make well-informed decisions in the best interest of the states and their constituents. MARCO uses regional ocean planning to improve understanding of how ocean resources and places are being used, managed, and conserved, and to establish a common foundation that will guide actions to address the shared regional priorities.

NROC is a voluntary forum for addressing ocean and coastal issues arising in the New England area that benefit from a regional response.  Representatives of New England states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut), federal agencies, regional organizations, and other interested regional groups develop goals and address regional coastal and ocean management challenges. New York participates as an ex-officio member.

The Department of State is the lead agency for regulatory activities related to renewable energy development in the federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean offshore New York. Our office leads the State’s participation in the New York Outer Continental Shelf Renewable Energy Task Force, which was established by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to coordinate planning and project regulatory reviews for wind development offshore New York and in the broader New York Bight.  

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Maritime Initiative seeks to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the maritime transportation system; to grow the regional economy; to increase the internal movement of goods across the region; to expand the movement of goods to and from foreign markets; and to create jobs. The initiative is led by the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers. OPDCI represents Governor Kathy Hochul in Conference discussions on how to support maritime and port infrastructure in Lakes Erie and Ontario.

DOS supports communities dealing with persistent high-water levels.

The New York Department of State is evaluating maritime facilities across the State to identify critical infrastructure, investment and policy needs through the Maritime and Ports Asset Inventory and Needs Assessment. The study will create a comprehensive database and interactive map of maritime assets, assess the maritime sector’s economic impact and develop a resilience focused implementation plan to support New York’s working waterfronts and ports.