In the summer of 1997, the Global Programme of Action Coalition for the Gulf of Maine (GPAC), a largely volunteer, multi-sectoral, bi-national ad-hoc committee was formed to address the opportunities and constraints affecting implementation of the GPA in this Region. Since its inception, the GPAC has focussed regional attention on the need for consensus on priority issues, strategic planning, and the application of resources to project and program work. GPAC has become a strong animating force, challenging, supporting and inspiring the activities of its members, and others, who come within its sphere of influence. In a little over four years, GPAC has completed the following measurable achievements:

• eight cross-sectoral, bi-national meetings of the Coalition;
• two major international, multi-sectoral workshops;
• seven comprehensive scoping papers on conditions in the region related to pollution and habitat disturbance;
• consensus on fifteen priority environmental issues common throughout the Gulf of Maine region;
• development of targeted strategies to address these issues;
• implementation of five pilot projects in response to these strategies;
• strategic assessment of GPA targets in the Gulf of Maine; and
• ongoing interaction and information sharing with the Bight of the California's sister pilot project.

As a result of the interactive work by this group of highly committed individuals there has been considerable advancement in the development of four critical elements of the GPA implementation:

1. A base of critical scientific information on the Gulf Region’s natural systems and built

2. Strong collegial relationships among key scientists, decision-makers and advocates, both

3. Consensus on the scope of the GPA in the Region, and the priority issues for action; and

4. A base of over 350 persons, from all sectors of the community, who have voluntarily

In its short history, and with its level of fiscal and human resources, the GPAC has achieved significant and notable successes. This relatively small group of dedicated individuals has provided a badly needed linkage between established partnership organizations in government, private sector, research and the community. If recognizable change is to be achieved in reducing the impacts of land based activities on the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, much more work is needed. The GPAC has identified the need for focussed action on a suite of specific GPA management targets and objectives, whose progress can be measured against realistic criteria for effectiveness.

GPAC Protocols: (click here to view draft protocols for how GPAC operates)