White House.gov Blog Feed: National Ocean Council

What People Are Saying About the Oceans Plan

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:06:18 +0000

Today, the Obama Administration released its plan for translating the National Ocean Policy into on-the-ground actions to benefit the American people. Here’s what people are saying about the plan:

“The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan emphasizes the role that ports and maritime commerce play in the nation’s economy. We are glad that many of the key recommendations will support the flow of commerce in and through our nation’s ports by improving the quality and reliability of navigation and ocean observation data, increasing the efficiency of permitting processes and agency coordination and identifying the possible impact of increased weather events and sea level rise on port facilities.”
American Association of Port Authorities

"The vitality of our working waterfronts is a national economic priority. The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan provides a predictable and inclusive decision-making framework to ensure that our economic interests are fostered in the face of growing and competing demands on our oceans."
Dr. Geraldine Knatz, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles

"I welcome and appreciate the recognition of existing regional and local management and the commitment to supporting and enhancing partnerships to improve the management of our marine resources."
John Pappalardo, Chief Executive Officer, Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association

"The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan is good news for generations of shellfish growers and those who enjoy shellfish. The industry is completely dependent upon a healthy ocean, innovation and responsible planning. The actions identified in this plan will allow shellfish production to continue to be a vital component of our country's rural coastal communities. I applaud the President's leadership in preserving this industry for future generations."
Margaret Pilaro Barrette, Executive Director, Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association

“We are encouraged to see that the final Implementation Plan addresses many of the concerns we raised when the draft was offered for comment. The final Plan is appropriately focused on key areas such as permitting efficiencies, habitat restoration and economic development opportunities, while respecting local and regional authority and sovereignty. Hopefully the plan will draw attention to key research and development needs so that lawmakers will be moved to direct appropriate funding resources to these critical needs.”
Bob Rheault, Executive Director, East Coast Shellfish Growers Association

“Demand for our farmed shellfish has exceeded our ability to supply it for years. We are pleased that the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan recognizes the opportunity to expand domestic shellfish aquaculture and the valuable jobs it can create. The Plan provides critical direction on permit coordination and efficiency and implementing the National Shellfish Initiative as well as focusing on science, ocean acidification and monitoring which are all critically important to shellfish growers.”
Bill Dewey, Director of Public Policy and Communications for Taylor Shellfish Farms.

"The National Corn Growers Association appreciates the administration’s outreach to the agriculture community during the development of the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan. We welcome the Plan’s emphasis on voluntary conservation programs and nutrient trading pilot opportunities, as well as expanded research to better understand the complex causes of hypoxia. We can work together to grow the economies of coastal and farming communities while preserving water quality for years to come."
National Corn Growers Association

“Well-informed decision making is essential to avoiding and mitigating conflict among various ocean user groups. This is especially important for a region like the Mid-Atlantic where we expect to see a modern emergence of renewable energy development. I appreciate the National Ocean Policy’s emphasis on integrated decision-making and improved coordination at the regional level, in support of regional priorities. New decision-making tools, such as regional data portals, will facilitate improved collaboration and efficiency in ocean planning. For example, this week we will host a workshop in which managers, scientists, fishermen, and other stakeholders will come together to collaboratively evaluate and develop fishery management strategies to protect deep sea corals, utilizing the MARCO regional data portal to display information. This kind of enhanced coordination and communication between agencies and ocean sectors is critical to ensuring positive outcomes for present and future generations.”
Rick Robins, Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

“We believe implementing the National Ocean Policy is essential for the offshore wind industry to thrive in this country. Offshore wind is a new industry with the potential to create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment in the U.S.”
Jim Lanard, President, Offshore Wind Development Coalition

“Marinas are more than just a place for ocean users to dock their boat at the end of the day – they are a true economic hub for tourism and recreation. That’s why having a plan which maps out ocean uses for the Northeast region – identifying potential conflicts before they happen – will be of great value to my industry. The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan will enable regions like New England to move ahead with this smart ocean planning by engaging people like me, who live and work on the water every day, while not forcing planning on other regions that do not currently want to engage in the process.”
Michael Keyworth, board member and past president, Rhode Island Marine Trades Association; Vice President and General Manager, Brewer Cove Haven Marina in Barrington, Rhode Island.

“The National Ocean Policy is about making smart choices for a healthier ocean – which, in turn, saves money, time and jobs. The implementation plan shows that the policy is a realistic plan that recognizes the tough fiscal climate we’re in. That’s why it emphasizes that these priorities can help direct the limited resources to where they’re most needed.”
Janis Searles Jones, Executive Vice President for Policy and Programs, Ocean Conservancy

“I’m proud to have supported the Oceans Act in 2000 that led to sweeping bipartisan recommendations for a new and comprehensive national ocean policy. The nation’s prosperity and the well-being of all Americans depends directly on the continued health and stewardship of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes. The Administration’s thoughtfully revised Implementation Plan marks a new and practical step in over a decade of federal ocean policy efforts and I look forward to working together with the Administration to move the Implementation Plan forward.”
Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV, Chairman, Commerce Science & Transportation Committee, United States Senate

“We're excited to see a final plan from the National Ocean Council that has real actions to protect our coasts and oceans. By providing support for ocean planning, the plan will help ensure that new industries like offshore wind power do not unnecessarily impact the marine ecosystem and human uses like recreation and fishing."
Pete Stauffer, surfer and Ocean Program Manager with Surfrider Foundation, Portland, Oregon

“We who work on the water daily see the direct effects of changes caused by ocean acidification or increases in ocean temperatures. As a lobsterman I've come to think of the Gulf of Maine as being unique and precious, and deserving of all our efforts at stewardship and protection that the National Ocean Policy and Ocean Planning will enable.”
Richard Nelson, Lobsterman from Friendship, Maine

“The whole concept of the national ocean policy is to maximize the benefit and minimize the damage. What’s not to love?”
Dr. Leslie Kaufmann, Biologist with Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts

“Full implementation of the National Ocean Policy is what we need to protect, maintain and restore New England’s ocean and coasts. Conservationists, fishermen, scientists, boaters, surfers, clean energy advocates and community leaders are all working together because we understand the value of stewardship and getting out ahead of ocean use conflicts by doing smart planning for our oceans.”
Priscilla Brooks, VP and Director of Ocean Conservation, Conservation Law Foundation, Boston, Massachusetts

“With more than 10 million participations, the marine recreational fishing community represents an incredibly large diverse ocean user group. The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan is the first real comprehensive approach to our country’s ocean interests that recognizes the importance of recreational interests, and it goes a long way toward providing an outline for continued responsible use.”
Tom Raftican, President, The Sportfishing Conservancy

“Through this plan, there is a commitment to education, regulatory streamlining, and better monitoring and data. It reflects a serious and thoughtful attempt not only to tackle big problems, but also to take advantage of opportunities to work collaboratively with industry to build a domestic aquaculture industry.”
Danny Murphy, President, American Soybean Association

“As a tribal leader I was deeply moved by the understanding and acceptance from the federal, state and the public of who we are and what we bring to the table. Together we work in a manner that truly benefits all we serve. We are modeling the way for other regional bodies to do the same."
Chief Richard Getchell, Chief of the Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians (Maine) and tribal co-lead for the New England Regional Planning Body

“I was very pleased to see the plan for translating the National Ocean Policy into actions that will help us address the very real issues that we face right now and that will only intensify in the future. The Gulf is vital to the energy security, economic well-being and environmental health of our nation. We have options now that we will not have even a few years from now, so it is timely to get this plan on the table.”
Dr. Larry D. McKinney, Executive Director, Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies

“The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative Leadership Council applauds the National Ocean Council’s release of its National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan. Executing this plan will improve management of our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes and help ensure our vital ocean resources are able to support the communities, businesses and ecosystems that rely on them now and into the future. By incorporating the most advanced scientific knowledge in the field and focusing on increasing efficiency and effectiveness of governmental decision making, the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan offers a stronger, simpler path to healthy, well-managed oceans. We appreciate the thoughtful work the National Ocean Council has done to include feedback from all sectors and we look forward to continuing to work together to improve our economy, our environment and our national security.”
The Honorable William Ruckelshaus and The Honorable Norman Mineta, Co-Chairs, Joint Ocean Commission Initiative, on behalf of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative Leadership Council

“The strength of America’s economy is tied to the health of our oceans, particularly in coastal states like Rhode Island. With the release of this plan we now have a blueprint to streamline efforts across the federal government to keep our oceans, and our economy, thriving. The plan will support regions and states as they take steps to prepare for economic development, protect their beaches and wildlife, and ensure their coasts are still thriving for future generations. I look forward to working with the Administration to put this plan into effect.”
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus, United States Senate

“On California’s Central Coast, we understand the role that the ocean plays in supporting our local community. From tourists visiting the Monterey Bay to the fishing industry that relies upon strong marine fish populations, our local economy is dependent upon the jobs created by a healthy, well managed ocean environment. And when the economies of our coastal communities thrive, the entire country reaps the benefits. But for too long, the management of our oceans has been handled by a confusing and often competing mix of federal agencies. This plan finally gets all of the relevant federal agencies on the same page, allowing them to coordinate their missions and provide for more efficient stewardship of our oceans. It also opens the lines of communications between the federal government and the states and local communities that are directly impacted. By working together and taking a holistic, science based approach to the management of our marine ecosystems, we not only build a stronger economy now but ensure the ocean’s long-term sustainability to benefit future generations.”
Congressman Sam Farr, chair of the House Oceans Caucus, United States House of Representatives

"We are excited about the opportunities within the National Ocean Policy that will secure sustainable use of the ocean while protecting the marine ecosystem."
Leesa Cobb, Director, Port Orford (Oregon) Ocean Resource Team

“I applaud the National Ocean Council’s work to develop a common-sense approach to management of one of America’s most beloved and valuable natural resources. The changes included in the final plan reflect careful consideration of the concerns of a broad group of stakeholders. The result is a policy that enhances federal government efficiency and allows states and regions a stronger say in crafting solutions to their specific ocean challenges to ensure a vibrant future for America’s oceans and coasts.”
Michael Conathan, Director of Ocean Policy at the Center for American Progress

“The Implementation Plan recognizes that ensuring healthy oceans for future generations will require an all-out local, regional and national effort. We must develop science-based solutions to our toughest ocean and coastal challenges --from marine pollution and ocean acidification to habitat loss and species decline. We’ve learned in California that when we all come together to tackle a common problem, representing government, business, science, and conservation interests, we can really make a difference. We stand ready to work with the Administration to make this a reality."
Julie Packard, Executive Director, Monterey Bay Aquarium

“Our oceans are a precious resource and a federal strategy to manage the use and protection of it is an important tool for states like Massachusetts that are endeavoring to develop offshore wind. By balancing environmental, commercial fishing and energy interests with science-based data, this plan will ensure we are all working together to make a cleaner energy future.”
Alicia Barton, CEO of Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

"The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan, much like Oregon's recently completed Territorial Sea Plan, represents a thoughtful and inclusive planning process to create a framework that balances current and future ocean uses to the benefit of all."
Jason Busch, Executive Director, Oregon Wave Energy Trust

Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (ret.) (1927 – 2012) – Champion of Ocean Policy

John P. Holdren and Nancy Sutley — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:33:46 +0000

We note with much regret the passing of Admiral James D. Watkins on Thursday. ADM Watkins served our Nation with distinction for more than half a century. His long and productive Navy career culminated with his term as Chief of Naval Operations, the Navy’s highest uniformed position. A man of many talents, ADM Watkins went on to serve as Secretary of Energy during the George H.W. Bush administration after having led the Presidential Commission on HIV/AIDS.

We are particularly grateful for ADM Watkins’ service to the Nation in the oceans arena. ADM Watkins served as President of the Joint Oceanographic Institutions (JOI) during the 1990s. From there he founded the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education (CORE) to focus on the national need for ocean education, ocean science, and ocean policy. In 2007, CORE and JOI merged to form the Consortium for Ocean Leadership (COL), which now continues to pursue ADM Watkins’ vision. After his retirement from CORE in 2001, ADM Watkins continued to apply his considerable talents in the oceans arena by chairing the George W. Bush administration’s U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, the final report of which provided much of the foundation for our current National Ocean Policy.

Upon completion of the Commission’s work in 2004, ADM Watkins went on to form the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative (JOCI) in partnership with the leadership of the Pew Oceans Commission. This bipartisan effort was designed in part to maintain momentum towards a formal ocean policy, a goal that was recently brought to fruition by President Obama’s 2010 Executive Order 13547, Stewardship of the Ocean, our Coasts, and the Great Lakes.

ADM Watkins’ work in the oceans arena carries on through the ongoing efforts of many groups and individuals throughout the Nation. For that legacy, we are most grateful.

John P. Holdren and Nancy Sutley are co-chairs of the National Ocean Council.

Valuable Support for Maritime Industries

Timothy W. Janaitis — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:55:18 +0000

Editor's Note: This blog introduces readers to Timothy W. Janaitis, Director of Business Development for global underwater services company Phoenix International Holdings, Inc., which provides 225 American jobs.

As a global underwater services company, Phoenix International depends on our oceans. One of our internationally recognized missions took place last spring when we located and recovered both black boxes from Air France Flight 447, an aircraft that had crashed in 13,000 feet of water in the Atlantic two years earlier. We are currently preparing to launch a mission to search for, and ideally recover, the airplane of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart lost in the South Pacific 75 years ago.

On a broader scale, our company provides underwater operations, engineering and construction support to those who have economic, environmental and cultural interests in the oceans. We see new business opportunities in areas such as the emerging offshore renewable energy industry. Development of this and other offshore industries represents significant growth potential for us.

So it is with great frustration that we see companies departing the renewable market due, in part, to a lack of clear ground rules in federal waters that slows the level and pace of project approvals. Clearly, we need a consistent framework in which investors and developers can propose and bring their technologies offshore as quickly and safely as possible within the established guidelines. This requires a sensible regulatory environment, and cooperation among all interested parties, including agencies and stakeholders.

The National Ocean Policy provides the needed framework to stimulate job creation and economic growth, not only at Phoenix International, but at other ocean dependent businesses and organizations as well. All Americans have an interest in healthy oceans, and thriving ocean industries. Citizens who have diverse -- and sometimes conflicting -- interests and needs must have a process that allows for constructive dialogue, so they can find solutions. Only in this way can consistent ground rules and processes be established that allow energy and other offshore developers to have their proposed initiatives expeditiously and properly evaluated. The National Ocean Policy and the work of the Regional Planning Bodies allow for such representation and decision-making, and should be embraced as valuable support for maritime industries.

Timothy W. Janaitis is Director of Business Development for Phoenix International Holdings, Inc.

Law of the Sea Convention Update

Jerry Miller — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:36:00 +0000

President Obama has stated that the United States will promote the stewardship and sustainable use of the oceans in several ways including by cooperating and exercising leadership at the international level and pursuing U.S. accession to the Law of the Sea Convention. On March 21^st, the State Department published a Fact Sheet identifying a number of compelling reasons why the United States should join the Law of the Sea Convention now.

Among the advantages noted in the Fact Sheet, joining the Law of the Sea Convention will create American jobs and bolster U.S. national security. That is one reason why U.S. companies, business groups, labor unions, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and a host of others support joining the Convention now.

To learn more about the Law of the Sea Convention: http://www.state.gov/e/oes/lawofthesea/factsheets/186605.htm.

Jerry Miller is Deputy Director for Science and Technology in the National Ocean Council Office

Supporting science-based decision-making in the Arctic Region

Deerin Babb-Brott — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:30:50 +0000

Today, we are pleased to announce a significant step in ocean stewardship for the Arctic Region. Through ocean.data.gov, the National Ocean Council is making available a wealth of data for planning and management in the Arctic, including information on biological, physical, oceanographic, habitat, and human use in the region. By making information more easily and widely accessible to local decision makers and stakeholders, the United States will be best positioned to lead in an ever changing Arctic environment.

The United States has broad interests in this region, from national security and territorial sovereignty to sustainable management of domestic energy and living resources, environmental protection, cultural heritage, and scientific research, all of which must be addressed in the context of rapidly changing conditions. The Nation, the State of Alaska, Tribal governments, and coastal communities are faced with critical decisions about how best to enhance natural resources and manage sustainable human activities in this region. The data and information made available through ocean.data.gov will help to inform future actions and decisions.

Right now and ready for use through ocean.data.gov, you will find information on Arctic fisheries, marine mammals, near-shore impacts, bathymetry, salinity, temperature, and much more. Ocean.data.gov is the National Ocean Council’s portal for data, information, and tools to support people engaged in planning for the future of the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. This portal provides easy access to many tools for the implementation of ecosystem-based management including models to evaluate ecosystem services and visual tools to create maps of human use and marine habitat. We are just getting started and look forward to hearing from you about additional data and tools to include.

A cornerstone of the National Ocean Policy is developing and implementing ecosystem-based management to promote more effective and sustainable stewardship of our Nation’s ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. This whole-system approach considers the full range of activities taking place within an ecosystem to understand how they impact each other, and to develop a responsible management plan that balances those interests. This effort to make Arctic data and information available is an initial step in implementing ecosystem-based management in the region. These domestic efforts will also support collaboration on ecosystem-based management with our international partners on the Arctic Council.

We will continue to build this information resource by adding more data sets and tools in the near future. Please join the community, tell us what you think, and help us support you in your Arctic stewardship efforts.

Deerin Babb-Brott is Director of the National Ocean Council Office

A New Leader in Protecting our Oceans and Coasts

Deerin Babb-Brott — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:30:04 +0000

This week marks my first as Director of the National Ocean Council (NOC) Office, a role in which I'm tremendously honored to serve on behalf of the American people. Since its inception, the NOC has evolved into an engine for advancing stewardship of our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes—resources that contribute not just to our Nation's economy, but also to our environmental health and overall public wellbeing. The task before the Council—to advance the sustainable use of our ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources under President Obama's National Ocean Policy—could not be more important.

The NOC has already made significant progress. In January 2012, the National Ocean Council released a strong, scientifically robust draft Implementation Plan to carry out the National Ocean Policy. The draft Plan reflects feedback from hundreds of stakeholders and members of the public. Additional comments being received and incorporated now will help us improve and develop the final Plan.

I am looking forward to building on this progress by applying 22 years of experience in the resource management field, with a focus on coastal management issues and public involvement that culminated in leading the development of an ocean management plan for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I am also looking forward to working with the members and staff of the NOC and the agencies who are working hard to ensure healthy oceans. The expertise and capability of those directly supporting the NOC is extraordinary. But we can't do it alone. That's why collaborating and communicating with our partners and the public—including industries, environmental groups, states, tribes, communities, academia, and others—will remain a top priority for the Council as we move ahead.

Again, it's an honor to be aboard.

Deerin Babb-Brott is Director of the National Ocean Council Office

Another Step Toward Ocean Stewardship

Michael Weiss — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0000

In another important step toward implementing President Obama’s National Ocean Policy, the National Ocean Council has determined it will formally include Regional Fishery Management Councils in regionally based coastal and marine spatial planning. The participation of the councils will ensure their valuable expertise is part of the collaborative effort to improve the health and stewardship of our ocean.

CMSP brings Federal agencies, States, Tribes and communities together to better manage the marine resources that Americans depend on for food, business, energy, security, recreation and a variety of other essential uses. The National Ocean Council will establish Regional Planning Bodies to carry out CMSP using an ecosystem-based approach that emphasizes better coordination across all levels.

In this collaborative spirit, and recognizing the unique and important role that Regional Fishery Management Councils play in fisheries management, the National Ocean Council will include members from each of the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils on the Regional Planning Bodies. These councils bring valuable expertise and knowledge about the array of marine fishery resources that are used on a region-specific basis to support local economies.

Each Regional Fishery Management Council will be asked to identify one of its Federal, State, Tribal, or local government voting members as its representative to the Regional Planning Body. In addition, each Regional Planning Body will form a standing technical committee that includes the scientific and technical experts from the councils to ensure their input is incorporated into the spatial planning process.

We look forward to working closely with the Regional Fishery Management Councils – as well as our other partners and the public – to ensure healthy oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes for all Americans.

Michael Weiss is Acting Director of the National Ocean Council

Praise for the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan

Michael Weiss — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:30:04 +0000

Today, the National Ocean Council released a draft National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan for public comment, laying out an action plan for addressing the most critical challenges facing ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. Here's what others have to say about the plan:

Jim Lanard, President, Offshore Wind Development Coalition

“We support the National Ocean Policy and believe that it can help bring clarity to the management of our oceans and advance the growth of the offshore wind industry. A National Ocean Policy will result in the protection of marine ecosystems and will ensure the orderly and economically - and environmentally-sustainable development of ocean resources, in a manner that respects and minimizes conflicts with existing users.”

Bill Ruckelshaus, Co-chair, Joint Ocean Commission Initiative

“The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative Leadership Council applauds release of the National Ocean Policy Implementation Strategy. This is a crucial step toward realizing a policy that will benefit not only the health of our oceans and coasts but our economy, our environment, and our nation’s security. We look forward to continued collaboration with the National Ocean Council in support of timely and effective implementation of the National Ocean Policy.”

Rick Bellavance, Owner and Operator, Priority Fishing Charters, Rhode Island

“Our ocean is critical to Rhode Island’s economy and way of life. We need all government agencies to work with fishermen and everyone else who uses the ocean to create a comprehensive plan that allows us to tackle big problems like climate change and ocean acidification while protecting and sustainably growing our coastal economies. Today’s announcement lays out a plan to do just that.”

Richard Nelson, Lobsterman, Friendship, Maine

“A healthy ocean is the foundation of New England’s coastal economy. We need to get everyone to the table—the government, scientists and people like me who make a living out there—and we need to make a comprehensive plan for the ocean so that new businesses like renewable ocean energy can develop while ensuring that existing industries like fishing can grow and flourish into the future.”

Molly McCammon, Executive Director, Alaska Ocean Observing System

“The National Ocean Policy and the draft implementation plan really highlight the important role our oceans play in the nation’s economy and global environment. I am especially pleased that the plan recognizes the importance of ocean observations, making data publicly available, and especially focusing on the issues facing the Arctic region.”

Tricia K. Jedele, Director, Conservation Law Foundation’s Rhode Island Office

“The implementation plan announced today gives us new approaches and tools for tackling the many challenges facing our ocean. This is a great opportunity for everyone who works or plays on Rhode Island Sound to work together to improve the health of our ocean ecosystems, clean up our beaches, and strengthen the economies of our coastal communities.”

Jack Clarke, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations, Massachusetts Audubon Society

“Mass Audubon supports the Obama administration’s initiative in planning for and managing America’s ocean waters. This is an important and necessary step as we work together to provide for our oceans’ environmental, economic and national security functions. We look forward to partnering with the federal agencies focusing on ocean management planning in the New England region.”

Berl Hartman, the New England Chapter Director of Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)

“E2 welcomes the National Ocean Policy draft implementation plan as a major milestone to protect the health of our valuable ocean ecosystems and bolster our coastal economies. Our oceans and Great Lakes are incredible engines of economic development and jobs. Today’s draft plan moves us towards a coherent, coordinated policy that sets national priorities and provides data for better decisions.”

Rep. Ed Markey, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee

“President Obama's ocean plans provide a framework for coastal communities to address some of the most pressing challenges to ensure healthy oceans, coasts and Great Lakes for present and future generations. Right now our oceans and Great Lakes are as active as they are vast, teeming with competition to fish, ship goods, train our Naval forces, harness wind energy, and conserve vital species and recreation locations. This plan will strengthen regional efforts to promote efficiency and collaboration in sharing these resources.”

The National Ocean Council invites your input to inform development of the final Implementation Plan.

Michael Weiss is Acting Director of the National Ocean Council

A New Tool for Ocean Planners

Jay Jensen — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Today the Administration launched ocean.data.gov, a new portal that gives all Americans transparent access to the same data and information that Federal agencies have about our oceans and coasts. The portal collects all of the latest Federal ocean data and planning tools in one place, and makes them available to the public to serve as a one-stop hub for anyone who wants to use it—from fisheries management councils, to businesses, to state and local governments, to regional planners, to you.

Click here to read the blog post announcing ocean.data.gov.

Here's what members of the ocean and coastal community have to say about the new tool:

"The new Ocean.Data.gov website brings together a huge amount of previously difficult to access data in one place. It will become an essential source of information for managers of coastal resources and communities, researchers, students, and interested citizens who are seeking to understand the US coastal ocean, one of our nation’s most valuable natural resources."
Andrew A Rosenberg, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Conservation International

"I envision using the site as a resource for updating data for which I don’t have direct access such as distribution of fishing effort and survey catches. This portal will allow me to ensure I have the best available information when helping to develop fishery management plans."
James Armstrong, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

"Supporting the health of our oceans will require that we breakdown silos and ensure that all stakeholders and agencies are working with open and clear collaboration--as I called for in my bill Oceans 21. This portal is a great step forward in that direction. I want to commend the Obama Administration for taking action to better coordinate data collection and communication, which will ultimately result in increased efficiency and improved conservation of our marine resources."
Congressman Sam Farr, Co-Chair of the House Oceans Caucus

"This portal may very well be an outstanding tool for states and federal agencies to utilize to make sure information is readily available to the public at a single, easy to access and navigate through site."
Bill Walker, Chair of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Management Team and Executive Director of the MS Department of Marine Resources

"The new National ocean data portal allows diverse American ocean stakeholders a one-stop shop for easy access to the ocean data and information produced by multiple agencies. It’s a great start with its built in features that offer the opportunity to join a community to advise government on how to make it better, and how to ensure that our ocean continues to provide the goods and services that people want and need."
Jay Odell, Mid-Atlantic Marine Program Director, The Nature Conservancy

"The National Ocean Council is finally breaking through some of the barriers that have prevented this kind of seamless data sharing in the past."
Doug Myers, Director of Science, People for Puget Sound

"The National Ocean Data Portal provides for the first time a single access point to coastal and marine data hosted by the various federal agencies. It will be immediately useful to ocean managers and industries, and provides a model for other regional and state information networks."
Nick Napoli, Director of Marine Planning Programs, Seaplan

"This is the best data portal I have seen yet. This portal provides valuable one-stop shopping for ocean data and a useful hub to build relationships with other members of the community."
Justin Manley, Senior Director, Business Development, Teledyne Benthos

Jay Jensen is Associate Director for Land & Water Ecosystems at the White House Council on Environmental Quality

Opening Our Oceans With Data.Gov

John P. Holdren and Aneesh Chopra — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:24:51 +0000

Today, we are pleased to announce the release of ocean.data.gov, the newest community on Data.gov. This effort is the result of two important initiatives of the Obama Administration: the development and implementation of the National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, our Coasts, and the Great Lakes and the creation of Data.gov to make Federal data more accessible to the American people.

Since President Obama signed the Executive Order establishing a National Ocean Policy, the Administration has been working steadily to implement this policy. One cornerstone of the policy is the Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning, a science-based, regional planning process conducted jointly with states and tribes that guarantees the public and stakeholders a voice in decisions affecting the ocean. Making the science that is available to the Federal Government accessible to all ocean users is a key to the success of this initiative. That’s why the National Ocean Council has teamed with the Data.gov initiative to create an open and accessible website that houses and references a wealth of information and tools available to support ocean planning efforts.

President Obama has consistently made clear that he will strive to lead the most open, efficient, and accountable government in history. The President has said that “information maintained by the Federal Government is a national asset.” Data.gov is a gateway to hundreds of thousands of agency data sets, making these national assets available to everyone. Ocean.data.gov focuses in particular on data sets relevant to ocean and coastal planning, and will aid planners and interested citizens as they search for Federal data and information in this domain.

Ocean.data.gov was developed collaboratively by the 15 agencies and departments represented on the National Ocean Council. This new, virtual community provides one-stop shopping for a wide range of data from these agencies. In some cases, this is the first time that the data have been readily accessible through the Web.

We intend to populate this community with many more data sets in the near future, and we invite all of you to tell us what more we should add.

Please join the community, tell us what you think, and help us support you in your ocean stewardship efforts.

John P. Holdren is Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Co-Chair of the National Ocean Council

Aneesh Chopra is U.S. Chief Technology Officer

In Support of President Obama’s National Ocean Policy

Kristin Jacobs, Dee Freeman, and Kevin Ranker — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:05:35 +0000

Editor's Note: This blog introduces readers to three members of the National Ocean Council's Governance Coordinating Committee: Kristin Jacobs, Broward County Commissioner; Dee Freeman, Secretary, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources; and Washington State Senator Kevin Ranker.

As a Florida resident and Commissioner in Broward County, I am acutely aware of the economic benefits of our diverse coastal and marine resources. Tourism, recreational and commercial fishing, diving, port-related activities, are all of vital importance to the economics of our region. The numbers are staggering. In southeast Florida, reef-related activities alone generate $3.3 billion in annual recreational expenditure, $4.4 billion in local production, and $2 billion in resident income while supporting 70,000 jobs. Statewide, oceans and coasts generate nearly $562 billion in cash flow and hundreds of thousands of jobs. Port and cruise activity generate additional benefits with five major cruise ports in Florida. Located in Broward County, Port Everglades generates approximately $18 billion worth of business activity and approximately 200,000 jobs statewide. As our reliance on marine and coastal resources continues to grow, it is essential that we develop a comprehensive plan that allows for continued uses, provides for emergent needs, and protects the integrity of our rich coastal and marine resources. We simply cannot afford any other approach.

This is why I celebrate President Obama’s National Ocean Policy, his establishment of coastal marine spatial planning as a priority, and his emphasis on a process that is inclusive and holistic. This effort has the potential to substantially advance regional and state initiatives that have already identified coastal and marine spatial planning as a priority, but which stand to benefit from federal leadership and example. In the state of Florida, for example, the value of this approach has been recognized by the Florida Oceans and Coastal Council, charged with coordinating the state’s research for more effective coastal management. The Council, representing broad stakeholder interests, recommended ocean management using marine spatial planning as a framework for decision making recognizing that this approach serves to protect and expand the state’s ocean and coastal economy. We should seek these same benefits at the federal level and work to ensure compatibility of management activities across broader spatial scales, while enhancing the benefits of management activities implemented regionally. The environmental and economic rewards for our nation will be realized for generations to come.

Kristin Jacobs is Broward County Commissioner and a member of the National Ocean Council’s Governance Coordinating Committee

Stewardship of North Carolina's natural resources, protecting its environment, and growing its economy have been corner stones of progressive state policy for generations in the Tar Heel state. In 1974 the Coastal Area Management Act was enacted, beginning one of our most important journeys in planning and acting on NC's future - an effort that continues to this day. Similarly, President Obama's executive order creating the National Ocean Council is a welcome effort to bring a national focus on ocean policy. I am extremely pleased the president's effort involves state, local and tribal involvement from the start.

Understanding and nurturing our unique coastal ecosystems, fostering tourism, developing our ports, and addressing disaster resiliency from hurricanes are at the heart of such planning. NC is now using its coastal management policies and tools, under the leadership of Gov. Beverly Perdue, to embrace new initiatives surrounding wind, current, wave, tidal and other renewal energy policies that offer great promise for our economic and environmental future.

In North Carolina we assist local government in our coastal counties with land use planning to preserve NC's unique coastline and guard our nation's security by protecting the military bases in our state from encroachment due to development. Clearly, coastal marine spacial planning for our ocean waters will be needed to continue protecting our ecosystems, preserving areas for wind energy projects, protecting training areas for the military, managing our fisheries, and meeting our obligation to protect endangered species.

As a North Carolinian, I am pleased to be a part of the president's NOC initiative representing Gov. Beverly Perdue and her mission to protect the environment while growing our economy and creating jobs. I invite the Congress to support these efforts that pave the way forward for our nation to protect, nurture and grow our coastal resources.

Dee Freeman is Secretary of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and a member of the National Ocean Council's Governance Coordinating Committee

The National Ocean Policy appropriately implements the recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy through mechanisms that will strengthen – not weaken – the role of states, tribes, coastal communities, and ocean resource users in developing ocean management policies. Because existing uses from fishing to shipping are so important to our state – and because new uses such as wind, wave and tidal energy production must also be accommodated with these existing uses – it is more important than ever that coastal states and ocean resource stakeholders have a place at the table to help develop the policies and plans that will guide federal agencies in the management of the nation's ocean resources. The National Ocean Policy sets out a logical pathway for such work, and appropriately contemplates comprehensive marine spatial planning as a key element in this pathway using a bottom-up approach that allows states to lead their destiny.

Kevin Ranker is a Washington State Senator and a member of the National Ocean Council's Governance Coordinating Committee

The Truth about the National Ocean Policy

Taryn Tuss — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Last year, President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing a National Ocean Policy that improves stewardship of ocean resources and prioritizes work to address the most pressing challenges facing the oceans. As demands on our oceans continue to grow, the National Ocean Policy brings common-sense collaboration to the management of our marine resources and economies. It will help protect our ocean resources to allow future economic growth and ensure Americans continue to benefit from vital uses of the ocean for commerce, recreation, national security and other activities essential to our economy and quality of life.

The current lack of coordination both within the Federal Government and among Federal, state, and local bodies is inefficient, ineffective, and results in conflict and delays that are bad for business, and bad for our country. The National Ocean Policy fixes this with a regionally based planning process that brings everyone to the table and ensures stakeholders and the public have a voice in decisions that impact our oceans. It is a smart, practical policy that has been called for from groups as varied as fishing, renewable energy, conservation and national and homeland security interests.

Now, some in Congress are seeking to maintain the inefficient and conflict-ridden status quo by spreading inaccurate and misleading information about the National Ocean Policy. Here is the truth about the National Ocean Policy and what it will do for Americans.

MYTH: The National Ocean Policy Needs Congressional Authorization.
FACTS: The National Ocean Policy does not alter any government authorities and does not require new legislation to be implemented. It uses existing authority to help Federal agencies foster communication and improve coordination on the nearly 100 different laws, policies and regulations affecting the oceans.

MYTH: The Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) Initiative Imposes 'Ocean Zoning.'
FACTS: The National Ocean Policy in no way restricts any ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes activity, nor does it impose ocean zoning through CMSP or any other component. CMSP is a tool that provides transparent information about ocean use, guarantees the public and stakeholders a voice in decisions affecting the oceans, and creates an inclusive, bottom-up planning approach that gives states and regions the ability to make informed decisions about how best to use the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. Only the Federal agencies are required to follow the regionally developed CMSPs. Tribal, state and local governments will benefit by having a regional CMSP blueprint to follow, and their participation in CMSP is voluntary.

MYTH: The National Ocean Policy Threatens American Jobs.
FACTS: America's ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes regions support tens of millions of jobs and contribute trillions of dollars a year to our national economy. Nothing threatens these jobs and economies more than delays that result from poor coordination, ineffective planning, and increasing conflicts among growing numbers of ocean users. The National Ocean Policy will help protect these jobs by improving the health and sustainability of the ocean and through a clearer, more stable and predictable decision-making path. It will ensure sustainable economic growth through common-sense, collaborative planning that creates predictability and fosters an improved climate for investment.

MYTH: The National Ocean Policy Creates More Bureaucracy.
FACTS: The truth is just the opposite. Currently, all parties are left to independently navigate and interpret approximately 100 laws, regulations, and policies affecting the ocean, a system that is inefficient at best. The National Ocean Policy improves coordination at all levels of government, provides for more informed decision-making, and establishes proactive and cooperative planning among Federal, state, tribal, and local authorities for the first time. The result will be less waste and conflict, more efficiency, and savings for American taxpayers.

MYTH: The National Ocean Policy Increases Likelihood for Litigation.
FACTS: The National Ocean Policy will reduce the likelihood of litigation and resulting delays that threaten jobs and hamper economic growth. Our current regulatory and permitting structures are sector by sector and typically poorly coordinated. The result has been uncertainty for industry, unseen "show stoppers" in the permitting process that discourage up-front investments, user conflict and confusion, and costly litigation. The proactive and collaborative approach of coastal and marine spatial planning will reduce conflict, provide transparency and predictability for economic investments, and result in cost savings and faster project implementation for businesses.

MYTH: The National Ocean Policy Will Impose New Costs on Taxpayers.
FACTS: The National Ocean Policy will in fact save taxpayers money by reducing Federal waste, inefficiency and delay. Currently, Federal departments and agencies independently implement a maze of about 100 laws, policies, and regulations related to the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. This has resulted in conflicting priorities, duplication, and ad hoc decision-making that frequently ends in litigation. The National Ocean Policy tackles this hidden and costly maze, and brings everyone to the table to better coordinate and integrate their work. It also helps us prioritize efforts and resources to address the most critical issues facing our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. Hindering an agency's ability to implement the National Ocean Policy will maintain the status quo of ad hoc decision-making, increased conflict, and higher costs.

MYTH: The Regional Planning Bodies will have no representation by the people, communities, and businesses that will actually be impacted by the regulations.
FACTS: Contrary to this assertion, a cornerstone of collaborative, regionally based CMSP is stakeholder and public participation, and science and information based decision-making. Regional planning bodies include state and tribal representatives that provide essential input from American communities. The National Ocean Policy also requires the regional planning bodies to regularly engage the public and stakeholders at every stage of their planning and decision making processes. Claims that the policy cuts out the public are misinformed as governance to date has been and will continue to be inclusive.

MYTH: The National Ocean Policy Will Have Far-Reaching Inland Impacts.
FACTS: The National Ocean Policy's CMSP does not mandate inclusion of inland activities, nor does it change any laws or regulatory authorities. Because water flows downstream, pollution that occurs hundreds of miles away can result in frequent beach closures, fish kills, and areas of pollution. Regional planning bodies, which include state and tribal representatives, may choose to evaluate inland impacts on ocean resources. The National Ocean Policy does not prohibit this, but any attempt to link the policy with inland regulations is purely speculative and misleading.

MYTH: The National Ocean Policy Will Create Regulatory Uncertainty.
FACTS: The National Ocean Policy does not impose any new regulations or alter any existing Federal authorities. In fact, by prioritizing efforts and resources to address critical issues, bringing all levels of government together, and improving coordination among Federal agencies, it provides more predictability and fosters a more stable climate for investment. As with any new initiative, there is the potential for uncertainty until it becomes familiar. The National Ocean Policy proactively addresses this potential through open, regular and transparent engagement with stakeholders and the public to dispel misinformation and answer any questions.

Taryn Tuss is Deputy Communications Director at the Council on Environmental Quality

Protecting Marine Life, Protecting Ourselves

Hayden Panettiere — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:00:59 +0000

Editor's Note: This blog introduces readers to Hayden Panettiere, who for the past 7 years has been the spokesperson for The Whaleman Foundation and their Save the Whales Again! Campaign.

Hayden Panettiere and Administration officials pose after their meeting to discuss conservation of our world’s great whales. (Left to right): Celeste Connors, Director for Environment and Climate Change, National Security Council/National Economic Council; Actress Hayden Panettiere; Nancy Sutley, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality; and Jay Jensen, Associate Director for Land & Water Ecosystems at the Council on Environmental Quality. (Photo Credit: Jeff Pantukhoff, President & Founder, The Whaleman Foundation)

About 3 years ago, I had the great privilege of meeting President Obama for the first time while he was on the campaign trail. He told me that some of his fondest childhood memories growing up in Hawaii were when he was swimming in the ocean and saw its wondrous creatures up-close and personal, including dolphins and whales. We spoke of the need to protect them and in particular to stop whaling. Today, the Obama Administration took a step toward doing just that.

In a meeting with the President's environmental policy advisor, Nancy Sutley, and several officials from the Administration, I thanked and applauded President Obama for taking action today against Iceland's illegal slaughter of fin and minke whales, which is in direct violation of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) commercial whaling moratorium.

CEQ Chair Nancy Sutley, Hayden Panettiere and Administration officials meet to discuss President Obama's message to Congress regarding Pelly Certification and Icelandic Whaling.

Tens of millions of U.S. citizens, including myself, have written or emailed the President and his Administration supporting these actions under the Pelly Amendment. I am grateful that the President and our government have listened and will be raising this issue with Iceland at the highest levels. They will continue to monitor the companies involved and examine other options available to us.

These include the diplomatic measures just announced here today, such as directing the State Department to examine Arctic cooperation projects, and where appropriate, link U.S. cooperation to the Icelandic government changing its whaling policy and abiding by the IWC moratorium on commercial whaling. It also calls on Iceland to cease its commercial whaling activities.

It has been the policy of the United States to support the conservation of the world's whale populations through science based policies and leadership within the International Whaling Commission. Just recently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which leads the U.S. delegation to the International Whaling Commission, signed a "sister sanctuary" agreement with France to support the protection of endangered humpback whales, and they are currently working with Bermuda to declare a sister humpback whale sanctuary there as well.

Also, at the 2010 meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Agadir, The US delegation, by the request of our organization, introduced a five-year study by Dr. Roger Payne and Dr. John Wise that showed how toxins and pollutants are being dispersed throughout the world's oceans and up the food chain. It outlined how these pollutants are not only a serious health threat to marine life, including apex predators like dolphins and whales, but also pose serious health threats to humans.

By protecting marine life and our oceans, ultimately we are protecting ourselves. President Obama recognizes this and has repeatedly supported innovative and conservation-minded efforts, not only at the International Whaling Commission, but with the unprecedented forward thinking demonstrated in his National Ocean Policy.

Hayden Panettiere is an Actor and the International Spokesperson for The Whaleman Foundation & the Save the Whales Again! Campaign

Nominate Yourself or Someone You Know for the National Ocean Council's Advisory Committee

Jay Jensen and Steve Fetter — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:14:10 +0000

Throughout the first year of the National Ocean Council's work, one of our driving goals has been to provide opportunities for the public, stakeholders, non-federal members of the ocean community and beyond to provide your thoughts on implementing the National Ocean Policy.

We opened a public scoping phase in January of this year to get initial thoughts on strategic action plans for the nine priority objectives highlighted in the policy. Throughout June, we held public regional listening sessions to hear directly from you on outlines for these plans and other aspects of the policy implementation. June also saw the opening of a web-based public comment period on the outlines. In late June, we kicked off activities to initiate coastal and marine spatial planning with a national workshop that included a day of public participation. Through all of these efforts we have received very valuable input from you.

We are now very pleased to let you know of a different sort of opportunity to become involved in the National Ocean Council's work. The Council's formal advisory committee, the Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP), is seeking nominations for members.

As an official Federal Advisory Committee, ORAP provides advice to the Council on policies, procedures, and other responsibilities relevant to implementation of the National Ocean Policy. Current ORAP members include representatives of the National Academies, ocean industries, State governments, academia, and others, including eminent individuals in the fields of marine science, marine policy, and related areas such as ocean resource management. Six seats will become vacant in the summer of 2012, and the goal is to balance ORAP membership to the extent possible to capture a range of geographic and sector representation and experience.

Anyone (including any organization) may nominate qualified individuals (including oneself) for membership on the panel. The deadline is September 15, 2011. The Federal Register notice provides all the details you need to officially submit a nomination.

We hope you will consider this opportunity to contribute to the expert advice the Council seeks as we move into our second year of improving our Nation's economy, environment, and future through the National Ocean Policy.

Jay Jensen is Associate Director for Land and Water Ecosystems at the White House Council on Environmental Quality

Steve Fetter is Principal Assistant Director for Environment at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Sound Ocean Policy Builds the Marine Economy

Michael Keyworth — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:27:19 +0000

Editor's Note: This post introduces readers to Michael Keyworth, Chairman of Legislative Affairs for the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association.

(Photo Credit: NOAA)

We are fortunate that the Obama Administration and the business community in Rhode Island understand the value of our rivers, Bay, and Coast. We know from experience that for a business to be successful and sustainable, it must be clean and green. That is why environmental regulation and policies, from the local to state to federal levels, need to make sense for these businesses. While we recognize the importance of good, strong environmental laws, they have to be practical, feasible, clear, and fair. They must also produce effective and measurable results.

All of us in Rhode Island are connected to the water in some way. Our many marine industries—from boatbuilding, service, and repair, to marinas and public boating facilities—play a vital role in the regional economy, and in supporting the many different ways people use and enjoy the ocean and coastal environment.

Founded in 1964, the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) represents all aspects of the marine industry. Our member companies and organizations are dedicated to the growth in recreational boating and the creation of jobs for our industry in an environmentally friendly, safe and responsible way.

It is with these principles in mind that RIMTA rolled up our sleeves and participated in the Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP), which recently became the first federally-approved plan of its kind in the nation. The Plan represents a strong effort to do coastal marine spatial planning through an open and public process based on good science and direct observations drawn from the participants.

Respecting the balance between the stakeholders' interests is essential to success. Every perspective is valuable and deserves to be heard. We were impressed to see nearly every one of the stakeholders take a constructive attitude aimed at solutions and results. We've learned that when industry groups work closely with the environmental organizations, universities, and other non-governmental organizations, it makes a powerful alliance.

Federal ocean policy can only work if it is sensible and helps build our economy. Rhode Island is unique, but aspects of our experience can help inform the President and the federal agencies as the national ocean policy takes shape. When it comes to the ocean and our public waters, it is critical that we get it right the first time, and we are grateful to the Obama Administration for recognizing its importance.

Michael Keyworth is Chairman of Legislative Affairs for the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association

Happy Anniversary, National Ocean Policy

George Stafford — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:16:32 +0000

Particularly in matters that reach well beyond our own interests, New York appreciates having a well-drafted national roadmap to follow. As with all good policy, EO 13547 provides the right mix of inspiration and direction, while laying an inclusive foundation that provides room for everyone to participate. Even more importantly, by allowing states and regions the flexibility to determine their own destinies, the National Ocean Policy is fostering a culture of collaboration and shared decision-making. At the state level, we now benefit from having the strength and resources of the federal government in our corner, as we work toward meeting New York's needs. At a broader level, the five-state Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean has been given a worthy and supportive federal partner to help resolve some of our region's most pressing ocean challenges. We wish the National Ocean Policy a very happy anniversary, and many more.

George Stafford is Deputy Secretary for the New York Department of State

The Ocean Affects All of Us Every Day

Jay Jensen and Steve Fetter — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:55:42 +0000

We've been here only a few short months, but in that time we've more than just gotten our feet wet, so to speak, implementing the National Ocean Policy. Now, one year after President Obama created the first comprehensive policy for the stewardship of the oceans, our coasts, and the Great Lakes, is a good time to reflect on the value of this national effort, and to take stock of the progress we have made in advancing ocean stewardship.

Perhaps you are one of the millions of Americans who are spending part of their summer visiting the seashore or the Great Lakes. You may be enjoying that grilled salmon, perch, or striped bass freshly caught by a local fisher. You may be spending time with your friends and family outside in the sunshine and water. But our waters do more than just provide sustenance and recreation. They support our communities and drive our national economy in countless ways, providing jobs not just on our shores but in every state in the Nation. Wherever we live, the ocean affects all of us every day. The National Ocean Policy helps focus our attention and efforts on the most critical issues facing our oceans and coasts. It also establishes a collaborative, regionally based planning process to ensure healthy and productive ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources for generations to come.

Here are a few milestones reached under the National Ocean Policy to date:

convened the Cabinet-level National Ocean Council to take action on our most pressing ocean policy issues;
formed a Governance Coordinating Committee consisting of state, local, and tribal representatives that will serve as a key coordinating body on ocean policy issues;
hosted the Unites States’ first ever Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Workshop, bringing together hundreds of representatives from all levels of government as well as stakeholders and members of the public, to strengthen partnerships for a regional approach to better managing our oceans;
released for public comment draft outlines of strategic action plans with specific, measureable actions the Federal government can take to address key challenges facing our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, including climate change, ocean acidification, coastal pollution, and changing conditions in the Arctic; and
hosted twelve public listening sessions across the country to ask Americans for their views on the actions they want to see to sustain and protect our oceans.

Successful ocean stewardship requires action and engagement from all levels of government, all stakeholders, and all Americans. We will continue to make sure you have opportunities to share your thoughts and feedback on what you care most about, and where you think we should be focusing our attention. While we have much work ahead of us, we have the highest confidence that together we can ensure healthy and productive ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources, and a healthy and prosperous America.

Jay Jensen is Associate Director for Land and Water Ecosystems at the White House Council on Environmental Quality

Steve Fetter is Principal Assistant Director for Environment at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Joining Forces for Our Oceans, Coasts, and Great Lakes

Andy Lipsky — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:31:17 +0000

Last week, the National Ocean Council brought together more than 500 Federal, state, tribal, and local government representatives, indigenous community leaders, and other stakeholders and members of the public from across the country for a National Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) Workshop in Washington, DC. An additional 260 participants joined us online for the Workshop webcast. The workshop kicked off a major program of regional collaboration to advance the stewardship of our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes—and by all accounts it provided a great start to achieving this important goal.

We heard from participants how cooperative ocean and coastal planning can be used to create jobs, help secure energy independence, enhance recreational opportunities, and maximize the uses of our Nation’s working waters while ensuring their conservation for future generations. We also discussed how our country’s first comprehensive National Ocean Policy engages tribal nations as equal partners alongside states and the Federal government to produce a balanced plan that serves all Americans who have equities in our ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources.

The workshop was part of a growing conversation among our partners and stakeholders in the Nation’s regions to establish regional planning bodies that will work collaboratively to develop comprehensive regional coastal and marine spatial plans. Among the key issues discussed at the workshop were:

The importance of science and evidence-based data and traditional knowledge and experience in advancing CMSP;
How best to represent existing local and regional entities on the regional planning bodies
How to design incentives that will spur implementation of CMSP; and
How to strike the right balance between the need for regional flexibility and the value of national consistency as regional planning bodies are established and as they carry out their work

The workshop featured expert panels, question and answer sessions, and a planning simulation exercise that explored how different groups can work together to effectively tackle these and other important issues. Discussions also helped bring to light a wide range of valuable “lessons learned” from previous state and regional efforts to implement CMSP. We heard about efforts already underway in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon, New York, and California, as well as through regional partnerships. During the last several years, these and other efforts have played a prominent role leading the way towards more effective and integrated planning, and we intend to learn from and build on these successes as we move forward.

This was just the beginning of a discussion to ensure the future health of our ocean, coasts and Great Lakes. Regional workshops will also be held across the country in the months ahead to build on the progress we made last week. The National Ocean Council will be using the many suggestions proffered during the workshop, along with advice gathered from continued dialogue with partners and stakeholders to further inform the establishment of regional planning bodies in the months ahead. In particular, the National Ocean Council will obtain input from our Governance Coordinating Committee, composed of states, tribes, and local government representatives, on additional representation on the regional planning bodies. We very much look forward to working with our state and tribal partners, and all interested Americans, toward healthy and productive oceans, coasts and Great Lakes.

You can watch the public session of the CMSP Workshop here.

Andy Lipsky is an Ocean Policy Advisor for the National Ocean Council

Ocean Stewardship Built By You, For You

Nancy Sutley — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:04:38 +0000

Chair Sutley looks out into the Narragansett Bay in Providence, Rhode Island

Our nation's coastal areas provide a wealth of natural and economic resources, and generate tens of millions of jobs and trillions of dollars for our economy each year. More than half of our country's population calls the coastal fringe that borders our nation home. However, competing uses and demands on the ocean threaten the health of our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. President Obama established the National Ocean Council to develop and implement a new, comprehensive ocean stewardship policy built with input from the American people.

June marks National Oceans Month, and the National Ocean Council is holding a series of events all month to hear from the communities that depend on our oceans and coasts about the actions they would like to see put in place to implement this policy.

This week, Senator Reed invited me to Providence, Rhode Island, where I heard a wide range of perspectives on the importance of collaborative ocean planning efforts to build a successful policy that addresses the diversity of coastal regions and uses of the ocean. I heard about ways in which Federal actions and resources under the new National Ocean Policy can help Rhode Island continue building on local efforts and success. It was clear that the diverse collection of participants, state and tribal authorities, users, stakeholders, and partners, including Senator Whitehouse, who participated in the State process, had pride in their recently completed State ocean plan. Sen. Whitehouse has taken the lessons from what the State of Rhode Island has done and is working in the Senate to protect our oceans.

Chair Sutley speaks with local communities on the nation's first comprehensive ocean policy

The feedback and discussions we will gather throughout the month will ensure that this Administration is implementing a robust, smart and scientific ocean policy that will address the most critical issues facing our nation’s waters. As we work to better harmonize and sustain the uses and health of our oceans, coasts, and the Great Lakes, we want to hear from you to put into action a plan built with you for you.

Nancy Sutley is Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality

Share Your Ideas with the National Ocean Council at a Listening Session Near You

Andy Lipsky — Thu, 26 May 2011 19:06:57 +0000

Experts from the National Ocean Council’s 27 Federal agencies and offices have been busy drafting strategic action plans to achieve nine national priority objectives that address some of the most pressing challenges facing our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. Having already received your initial comments before we got started, we’d now like to hear from you again—this time with your thoughts on the strategic action plan outlines we’ve developed. That’s why we’re hosting a dozen Regional Listening Sessions at this still-early stage of the drafting process. The strategic action plan outlines will be released in early June for a 30-day public comment period during which you will have the chance to chime in at one of the 12 Regional Listening Sessions or via the Web through a public comment portal.

Here are the dates and locations for the listening sessions:

DATE, LOCATION, VENUE
June 9, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Washington, DC, Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery
June 9, 4:00pm-9:00pm
Barrow, AK, North Slope Borough Offices
June 10, 4:00pm-9:00pm
Anchorage, AK, Wilda Marston Theatre, Z. J. Loussac Library
June 13, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Chicago, IL, U.S. EPA Regional Headquarters
June 15, 5:00pm-9:00pm
Jacksonville, FL, University of North Florida
June 16, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Honolulu, HI, The Neal Blaisdell Center
June 27, 11:30am-3:00pm
Exeter, NH, Exeter High School
June 27, 5:00pm-8:30pm
Galveston, TX, Galveston Convention Center
June 27, 8:30am-4:30pm
Ocean Shores, WA, Quinault Beach Resort and Casino
June 30, 1:00pm-5:00pm
San Francisco Bay Area, CA, Hilton Union Square
June 30, 10:00am-5:00pm
West Long Branch, NJ, Monmouth University
July 1, 9:00am-1:00pm
Po rtland, OR, Portland State University

Identifying the critical actions our national stewardship requires will take cooperation across all levels of government and stakeholder communities. Stay tuned for more information on how to comment on these outlines, and we hope to see you at one of the listening sessions!

Andy Lipsky is an Ocean Policy Advisor at the National Ocean Council

Thank You Alaska!

Mary Boatman — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:00:00 +0000

In July 2010, President Obama announced his commitment to implementing a new National Ocean Policy that indentifies the Arctic region as a priority area to address our stewardship responsibilities. Conditions in the Arctic are being impacted in the face of environmental and climate-induced changes. Now more than ever, we need to work across government and alongside communities to identify the critical actions we must undertake to address the environmental stewardship needs in the region.

I had the great opportunity to participate in a webinar last week to discuss the National Ocean Policy and what it means for the Arctic region. Almost 300 listeners joined the discussion on the Obama Administration’s work underway to implement the National Ocean Policy, including initial thoughts of the interagency team that is now preparing a strategic action plan (SAP) to address changing conditions in the Arctic.

The Arctic was specifically called out as a priority area for implementation of the policy because of the rapid changes that are occurring and the importance of the ocean environment to the local residents. Access to the Arctic is increasing due to a reduction in sea ice and technological advances, while the demand for resources and the impacts of tourism are increasing.

Dr. Cheryl Rosa of the US Arctic Research Commission and I also answered important questions from those participating in the webinar. We had a lot of great questions including whether the action plan would address subsistence concerns, sea-ice forecasting, port development in the Arctic, oil spills, and toxics and pollution. All of these issues are under consideration by the interagency team.

This webinar was one of many opportunities for the public to get involved and engaged in the implementation of our Nation’s first comprehensive National Ocean Policy. We will be sharing our initial outline for the SAP in early June and will look forward to more conversations about the important actions that must be taken to address environmental stewardship in our water regions across the Nation. It was rewarding to have this type of dialogue, and especially to hear from those who live in the Arctic.

The presentation and podcast from the webinar are now available on the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy at the University of Alaska Fairbanks website, which hosted this event.

Mary Boatman is a Policy Analyst at the Office of Science and Technology Policy

Take an E-Trip to Alaska to Discuss Issues Facing the Arctic

Andy Lipsky — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:43:48 +0000

Tomorrow from 2-3pm EDT you can join the US Arctic Research Commission (USARC) and Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks for an interactive “Webinar” to discuss issues concerning the Arctic. The Webinar will focus on initial efforts to develop a strategic action plan—called for by President Obama in his July 2010 National Ocean Policy—to address changing conditions in the Arctic.

National Ocean Council staff member Dr. Mary Boatman and Dr. Cheryl Rosa of USARC will offer the preliminary outline being considered by an interagency team that is in the process of putting pen to paper for the Arctic strategic action plan. Additionally, members of the public can offer their input on how best to address climate-induced and other environmental changes affecting the Arctic.

Instructions to register for the Webinar and to participate are available here. For those unable to participate, an archive of the slide presentation and a podcast of the Webinar discussion will be available here shortly after its conclusion.

This will be one of many such opportunities for the public to get involved in the implementation of our Nation’s first comprehensive National Ocean Policy, and your participation is encouraged!

Andy Lipsky is an Ocean Policy Advisor at the Council for Environmental Quality

From Coast to Coast, Working Together for our Ocean, Coasts, and Great Lakes

Rick Weiss and Sahar Wali — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:40:55 +0000

As the National Ocean Council (NOC) continues working toward implementing the first national policy for the stewardship of the ocean, our coasts and the Great Lakes, our successes depend on effective collaboration and engagement with the people and communities that live, work, and depend on our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. From the tribes of Alaska, to the city halls of North Carolina, to the state offices of Mississippi, members of our Governance Coordinating Committee (GCC) represent the diversity of interests that will help cut across political and geographic boundaries to harmonize planning and stewardship of our waters. Earlier this month, this group of tribal, state, and local government officials from across the country met for the first time to begin this important work. In the coming weeks we will highlight in their voices what their work and membership means to the people and the communities they serve. As you can see from a few members’ initial comments below, the enthusiasm and commitment that this group is bringing promises great things to come.

Dee Freeman, Secretary, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources

“The work of the GCC and the National Ocean Council is groundbreaking. Planning our course together as partners will lead to good and valuable decisions on the future of America’s coastal areas. I look forward to the work ahead and the imperative relationships we will build together as partners.”

Micah McCarty, Tribal Chairman & Marine Policy & Fisheries Advisor, Makah Tribal Council

“The inaugural GCC meeting was an invaluable step towards fulfilling the need for regionally based and focused discussions on harmonizing existing laws and regulations of current uses of our nation's coastal waterways…It was especially encouraging to hear from such a diverse of group government representatives about very real and home-based perspectives on common concerns."

Kevin Ranker, Washington State Senator

“While we have much work before us, the diversity of skill sets and depth of experience of my fellow Committee members gives me faith that we are up to the task. I found the first meeting of the GCC productive and informative. I am honored to be part of this Committee and look forward to helping the Administration advance a National Ocean Policy that protects our oceans and the goods and services they provide for our coastal states.”

Rick Weiss is Director of Communications and Senior Science and Technology Policy Analyst at the Office of Science and Technology Policy

Sahar Wali is Director of Communications at the Council on Environmental Quality

Open for Comments: National Ocean Policy Strategic Action Plans

Shere Abbott and Mike Boots — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:22:17 +0000

As part of President Obama’s commitment to move toward the first comprehensive national policy for our oceans, the National Ocean Council (NOC) is responsible for developing strategic action plans to achieve nine priority objectives that address some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes.

Engaging with the public is a key component for us in the development of these strategic actions plans. That’s why today we are launching a public comment period to get your feedback and input on the development of these plans. The health and productivity of our waters is critically important to our economy and for American families. This is your opportunity to help ensure we make the most of these precious resources by sharing your comments and ideas during the development of the plans that will implement a National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes. Comments will be accepted through April 29, 2011.

Read about the nine priority objectives on pages 28-40 of the Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force.

As you make your comments it is important to take into account:

The strategic action plans are built to address key issues identified in the Final Recommendations of, which were adopted in the President’s Executive Order 13547;
The importance of integrating local, regional, and national efforts; and
The opportunities, obstacles, and metrics of progress relevant to each of the priority objectives.

The National Ocean Council plans to release the draft strategic action plans in the summer of 2011, at which time the Council will provide an additional opportunity for public comments.

For more information, read the Federal Register Notice announcing this opportunity for public comment.

To submit your comments, please visit the public comment website.

Shere Abbott is Associate Director for Environment at the Office of Science and Technology Policy

Mike Boots is Associate Director for Land and Water Ecosystems at the Council on Environmental Quality

Deputies Building on Great Momentum for Our Oceans

Shere Abbott and Mike Boots — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:29:37 +0000

Ed. Note: Shere Abbott and Mike Boots are Co-Chairs of the Deputies Committee of the National Ocean Council. The Deputy Committee is charged with executing the National Ocean Policy objectives and includes 25 senior-level officials from Federal agencies, departments, and White House Offices identified in the Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force.

This week, the National Ocean Council deputies met to move forward the implementation of the National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, our Coasts, and Great Lakes. Building on the energy and enthusiasm from our initial meeting in September, and the Principals meeting in November, the deputies reviewed the final elements of the governance structure and the next steps to produce the action plans.

The deputies considered nominees for the Governance Coordinating Committee, worked to establish two Interagency Policy Committees, and solidified the connection with the Ocean Research and Resources Advisory Panel.

The Final Recommendations identified priority objectives for the National Ocean Policy. The Interagency Policy Committees will develop strategic actions plans to put these policy objectives into practice. To ensure a comprehensive and transparent process, public involvement will be integral to shaping the direction of these action plans. We will announce the first public comment period on our website soon, and we will provide several other opportunities to engage with us as these plans develop.

We are also on track to implement comprehensive, integrated coastal and marine spatial planning and management in the United States. We are currently planning a national workshop for next Spring, and reviewing guidance on the composition of the Regional Planning Bodies that will lead the regional efforts.

The President is committed to ensuring the health and productivity of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources for the benefit of all Americans. The Deputies Committee continues to work to make that goal a reality.

Shere Abbott is Associate Director for Environment at the Office of Science and Technology Policy

Mike Boots is Associate Director for Land and Water Ecosystems at the Council on Environmental Quality

National Ocean Council Principals Hold Inaugural Meeting

National Ocean Council Staff — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:56:53 +0000

Tuesday marked an historic occasion for our stewardship of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources as 25 Cabinet Secretaries and senior officials from across the Federal Government gathered in the Roosevelt Room of the White House for the inaugural meeting of the National Ocean Council’s (NOC) Principal-level Committee.

The Committee is charged with implementing the National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, our Coasts, and Great Lakes, including coastal and marine spatial planning. Key functions of the Committee include setting national priority objectives, and providing direction for implementing the National Policy based in part on recommendations from the Deputy-level Committee, which had its first meeting earlier this year.

During the meeting, the Council:

Reviewed the role of the NOC and the work ahead;
Approved the NOC Charter;
Approved operational items for establishing the Governance Coordinating Committee to formally engage state, tribal, and local authorities;
Approved the charter for the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) task force for it to continue to coordinate the collection of information to establish the full extent of the continental shelf of the United States in accordance with international law; and
Established Interagency Working Groups to address topics including information management, and communications and public and stakeholder engagement.

The first Principals meeting of the NOC reiterated the Administration’s commitment to providing senior-level engagement in the implementation of the National Policy. It also was a significant step toward making good on the President’s vision of ensuring the sustainability, resilience, health, security, and productivity of ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources for the benefit of all Americans.

Ocean Council Moving Full Steam Ahead

John P. Holdren and Nancy Sutley — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 20:20:06 +0000

The last two months have been busy for the National Ocean Council (NOC). Internally, staff has been building a governance structure that will support the Council as it works to ensure the stewardship of our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes. At the same time, we have engaged in a variety of stakeholder outreach and planning efforts. Our goal is to ensure a comprehensive, transparent process as we implement the President’s historic Executive Order.

As NOC co-chairs, we are excited about the great energy and enthusiasm that was on display at today’s inaugural Deputy Committee meeting, at which members discussed Deputy-level responsibilities and reviewed key action materials that will be vital to moving the NOC forward. The Deputy Committee is charged with executing the National Policy objectives and includes 25 senior-level officials from Federal agencies, departments, and White House Offices identified in the Task Force’s final recommendations. The meeting was productive and suffused with a real commitment to achieve the goals laid out in the Executive Order.

Among the key organizational and outreach milestones the NOC has reached so far:

NOC staff, representative agencies, and offices have met and continue to meet with many of the stakeholders, experts, and interest groups previously engaged by the Ocean Policy Task Force. This includes convening 16 roundtable briefings to describe the final recommendations and how they differ from those in the Task Force’s interim documents.
Six of the eight dedicated NOC staff members have now reported aboard from their sponsoring Federal agencies.
We sent Governance Coordinating Committee (GCC) nomination request letters to state and tribal officials including Governors, state and local government organizations, federally recognized tribes, and national and regional tribal organizations. This is the first step toward creating an 18-member GCC that will work with the NOC.
An interagency workgroup is designing a National Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Workshop.

All Americans are stakeholders in our Nation’s ocean and coastal resources. We look forward to implementing the President’s vision to make the most of these precious resources, and we will continue to use this blog as a tool to keep you apprised of our progress.

Dr. John P. Holdren is Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy

Nancy Sutley is Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality

Executive Order for the Stewardship of Our Oceans, Coasts, and Great Lakes

NOC Team — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:12:06 +0000

On July 19th, 2010, President Barack Obama signed an Executive establishing the National Ocean Council. The Executive Order established for the first time a comprehensive, integrated National Policy for the stewardship of the ocean, our coasts,and Great Lakes, which sets our Nation on a path toward comprehensive planning forthe preservation and sustainable uses of these bodies of water.

Read the Executive Order.

Meet the National Ocean Council

NOC Team — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:23:51 +0000

Find out who represents your new National Ocean Council.

Co-Chairs

White House Council on Environmental Quality
Nancy Sutley, Chair

White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Dr. John P. Holdren, Director

NOC Members

Department of Agriculture
Tom Vilsack
Secretary

Department of Commerce
Gary Locke
Secretary

Dr. Jane Lubchenco
Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere
NOAA Administrator

Department of Defense
Robert M. Gates
Secretary

Environmental Protection Agency
Lisa P. Jackson
Administrator

Department of Energy
Dr. Steven Chu
Secretary

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (invitation pending)
Jon Wellinghoff
Chairman

Department of Health and Human Services
Kathleen Sebelius
Secretary

Department of Homeland Security
Janet Napolitano
Secretary

Department of the Interior
Ken Salazar
Secretary

Joint Chiefs of Staff
Adm. Mike Mullen
Chairman

Department of Justice
Eric Holder
Attorney General

Department of Labor
Hilda L. Solis
Secretary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Charles F. Bolden, Jr.
Administrator

National Science Foundation
Dr. Cora Marrett
Acting Director

Department of State
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary

Department of Transportation
Ray LaHood
Secretary

Office of the Vice President
TBD

Director of National Intelligence
TBD

White House Office of Management and Budget
Peter Orszag
Director

Assistant to the President for National Security
General James Jones (Ret.)

Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
John Brennan

Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy
Melody Barnes

Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
Lawrence Summers

Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Policy
Carol Browner
Director

Obama Administration Officials Announce the Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force

NOC Team — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:23:05 +0000

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 19, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC – Obama Administration officials today released the Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force, which would establish a National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Coasts, and Great Lakes (National Policy) and create a National Ocean Council (NOC) to strengthen ocean governance and coordination. The Final Recommendations prioritize actions for the NOC to pursue, and call for a flexible framework for coastal and marine spatial planning to address conservation, economic activity, user conflict, and sustainable use of the ocean, our coasts and the Great Lakes.

The NOC would coordinate across the Federal Government to implement the National Policy. The Final Recommendations also call for the establishment of a Governance Coordinating Committee to formally engage with state, tribal, and local authorities. The Final Recommendations are expected to be adopted into an Executive Order by President Obama.

“President Obama recognized that our uses of the ocean are expanding at a rate that challenges our ability to manage significant and often competing demands,” said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “With a growing number of recreational, scientific, energy, and security activities, we need a national policy that sets the United States on a new path for the conservation and sustainable use of these critical natural resources.”

Read the rest.