Obama administration releases Ocean Policy interim report

Odd Grydeland According to a White House press release issued last week, The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force’s Interim Report is now available and is undergoing a 30-day public review and comment period. This report provides proposals for a comprehensive national approach to uphold our stewardship responsibilities and ensure accountability for our actions. Additionally, the report outlines a more balanced, productive and sustainable approach to our ocean resources. Obama Administration officials today released the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force Interim Report for a 30-day public review and comment period. The Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of 24 senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices. The report provides proposals for a comprehensive national approach to uphold our stewardship responsibilities and ensure accountability for our actions. "This Interim Report represents a wide spectrum of views and considerations, not just from within the federal government, but from members of the public, local officials, stakeholders and experts from coast to coast," said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. "It delivers on President Obama’s request for recommendations that will move this country towards a more robust national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes and recognizes that we have a responsibility to protect the oceans and coasts for the benefit of current and future generations.""America's oceans are vital to our prosperity, health, security and quality of life," said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  "This is a historic day -- for the first time, we as a nation say loudly and clearly that healthy oceans matter."Among else, the Interim Report suggested that a framework for effective coastal and marine planning should be developed within 180 days, and such plans should adress issues like; An approach that balances competing uses, including traditional, new, and expanding uses (e.g., energy, aquaculture), minimizes impacts on coastal and ocean ecosystems, ensures sustainable uses under reasonable changes in environmental conditions, and minimizes costs. The report prioritizes nine categories for action, including ecosystem-based management, regional ecosystem protection and restoration, and strengthened and integrated observing systems.