Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force Interim Report

Sep 17: Obama Administration officials released the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force Interim Report for a 30-day public review and comment period. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) 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 stewardship responsibilities and ensure accountability for actions for America’s oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes.

Nancy Sutley, CEQ Chair said, “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. 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.” Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said, “America's oceans are vital to our prosperity, health, security and quality of life. This is a historic day -- for the first time, we as a nation say loudly and clearly that healthy oceans matter.”

The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force was created by Presidential Memorandum on June 12, 2009, to develop a national policy for the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. The Memorandum charged the Task Force with developing recommendations that include a national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes, a framework for improved Federal policy coordination, and an implementation strategy to meet the objectives of a national ocean policy within 90 days. Within 180 days, the Task Force is charged with developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning.

The Interim Report outlines a more balanced, productive and sustainable approach to ocean resources. Specifically, it highlights three key areas: A National Policy; A Robust Governance Structure; and Categories for Action. The Interim Report prioritizes nine categories for action, including ecosystem-based management, regional ecosystem protection and restoration, and strengthened and integrated observing systems, that seek to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. These strategies and objectives provide a bridge between the National Policy and action on the ground.

The Task Force is now focusing its efforts on developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning as charged within 180 days. In addition, the Task Force continues its public engagement activities, including holding at least five more regional public meetings scheduled to take place in the following cities: San Francisco, CA; Providence, RI; Cleveland, OH; New Orleans, LA; and Honolulu, HI. The initial meeting was held in Anchorage, AK on August 21, 2009. Expert briefings will continue while the Interim Report is available for review and public comment. The Task Force will provide a final report with all of its recommendations later this year.

Access a release from NOAA (click here). Access information on the Interim Report (click here). Access the 38-page report (click here). Access an on-line commenting form (click here).