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).

New NOAA Great Lakes Research Laboratory & Acting Director

Jan 7: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that a larger facility to focus on Great Lakes issues opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) in Pittsfield Township, MI. Richard Spinrad, NOAA assistant administrator for oceanic and atmospheric research said, “GLERL starts the new year with a new building. This laboratory is a leader on many Great Lakes issues, such as invasive species, lake levels, and the use of biofuels for its research ships. In its new space, the laboratory will expand its efforts to serve the Great Lakes region through research and partnerships.” Spinrad also announced Marie Colton as the acting director of the lab and acting lead of the NOAA Great Lakes regional team. She succeeds Stephen Brandt who is leaving Michigan to be the director of Oregon Sea Grant in Corvallis, OR.

The new 40,225 square-feet facility has modern wet and dry laboratories, conference facilities, a library, marine instrumentation shop, and office space to accommodate about 120 federal and cooperative institute employees. NOAA will lease the building for 20 years. Office and laboratory space will also be provided to partner organizations, including Michigan Sea Grant Extension, The Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystem Research, the International Association for Great Lakes Research, the NOAA National Center of Excellence for Great Lakes and Human Health, NOAA National Center for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species, and the Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Office.

Access a release from NOAA (click here). Access the GLERL website for more information (click here).

NOAA Has New NOS Great Lakes Regional Coordinator

Sep 8: The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) has announced that in July of 2008, NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) placed Heather Stirratt as the new NOS Great Lakes regional coordinator. Part of NOAA, NOS delivers a dynamic range of nation-wide coastal and Great Lakes scientific, technical, and resource management services in support of safe, healthy and productive oceans and coasts. Ms. Stirratt has worked with NOAA for almost 10 years. She has experience working for the National Marine Fisheries Service as a Fisheries Management Specialist and with NOS as Special Assistant to the Assistant Administrator. The Assistant Administrator for NOS, John Dunnigan, recently stated that, “We know that our mission in the Great Lakes is extensive across NOS programs. We are pleased to offer Great Lake constituents a new way of interacting with us."

As an employee of the NOAA Coastal Services Center, Ms. Stirratt is working to better integrate NOS programs and enhance connections with customers and partners. GLC said the position will be key in building partnership bridges at the local level and elevating NOAA’s Ocean Service's work in the Great Lakes region.

Access the GLC announcement with additional details and contact information (click here). Access the NOAA NOS website for more information (click here).