Chesapeake Bay Region
Boesch currently on a number of boards and committees for important programs and organizations within Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay region:
- The Chesapeake Research Consortium is an organization of six major universities and research institutions. It provides institutional support to the Chesapeake Bay Program's Scientific Technical Advisory Committee, operates a management fellows program, holds conferences and workshops, and coordinates collaborative research activities among member institutions. Dr. Boesch serves as the University System of Maryland's principal board representative.
- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is an educational, environmental advocacy, and conversvation organization dedicated to fighting for for effective, science-based solutions to the pollution degrading the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. Dr. Boesch served as a member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees for 18 years and became an Honorary Trustee in 2013.
- The Governor's Chesapeake Bay Cabinet is a subcabinet council of Maryland's Governor for interagency coordination and integration of Chesapeake Bay-related activities. Dr. Boesch serves as the University System of Maryland's principal representative on the Bay Cabinet. This council initiated BayStat Chesapeake to assure that Bay management and restoration programs are reaching their maximum efficiency and that together they complement each other to assure maximum overall efficiency and effectiveness. He has served as Chair of the Scientific Advisory Panel since 2008.
- The Maryland Commission on Climate Change is charged with advising the Governor and General Assembly on ways to mitigate the causes of, prepare for, and adapt to the consequences of climate change, Dr. Boesch has chaired the Scientific and Technical Working Group since 2007.
- The Maryland Oyster Advisory Commission, tasked with advising the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on matters related to oysters in the Maryland's portion of the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays and strategies for rebuilding and managing the oyster population in these areas under the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Management Plan.
Joint Ocean Commission Initiative
The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative’s distinguished Leadership Council is an influential group of ocean leaders tasked with changing the way we manage the nation’s oceans and coasts. The Joint Initiative was created in 2005 as a collaborative effort between the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Oceans Commission. Since its formation, it has sustained a broad-based, bipartisan effort to influence meaningful ocean policy reform and action at the national, regional, and state levels. Dr. Boesch has served on the Leadership Council since 2013.
BONUS: Baltic Sea Science
BONUS, started by the BONUS member states together with the European Union, is a joint Baltic Sea research and development program in support of sustainable development and ecosystem based management of the Baltic Sea region. Dr. Boesch is a member of the Advisory Board.
COMPASS
COMPASS is a non-profit, non-advocacy organization that aims to see more scientists engage, and engage effectively, in the public discourse about the environment. Through communication trainings, coaching and real-world connections, we empower researchers to build the communication skills, networks, and relationships they need to realize this vision. It is a non-profit, non-advocacy organization. Boesch is a member of the COMPASS board.
Town Creek Foundation
The Town Creek Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation dedicated to a sustainable environment and making grants to non-profit organizations that work to promote ecological sustainability. Dr. Boesch has been a member of its Board of Directors since 2007.
National Commission on the BP Oil Spill
On June 14, 2010, Boesch was appointed by President Barack Obama as one of seven members of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling, tasked with providing recommendations on how we can prevent – and mitigate the impact of – any future spills that result from offshore drilling. The Commission completed its report on January 11, 2011.
- Boesch’s opening statement at the first meeting of the Commission - July 12, 2010
- Oil Spill Commission Final Report - Deep Water: The Gulf Oil Disaster and the Future of Offshore Drilling - January 11, 2011
- Boesch testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Testimony | Testimony Background
- Boesch discusses the commission's findings with Sheilah Kast on NPR-affiliate WYPR - January 14, 2011