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Ocean Blueprint for 21st Century: A Call to Action

Review of the U.S. Ocean Commission's 2004 report highlighting challenges and recommendations for ocean and coastal management. The report emphasizes the need for increased funding, improved governance, and stronger scientific approaches for sustainable ocean policies.

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Ocean Blueprint for 21st Century: A Call to Action

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  1. An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century Presented by ADM Richard West, USN (Ret.) President, CORE Hydrographic Services Review Panel 15-16 November 2004

  2. U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy • 16-member, independent, bi-partisan group • 26 scientific advisors • 16 public meetings • 18 regional site visits • Extensive scientific and stakeholder review process

  3. Information Gathering Was Extensive • Held open public meetings with 450 invited experts and public comment in all coastal areas of the U.S. (Sept. 2001 – Oct. 2002) • 9 RegionalMeetings– Mid-Atlantic/South Carolina; Caribbean & Southeast/Puerto Rico & Florida; Gulf of Mexico/New Orleans; Southwest/Los Angeles; Pacific Islands/Hawaii; Northwest/Seattle; Northeast/Boston; Alaska; and Great Lakes/Chicago • 18 site visits in addition to regional meetings in every coastal area of the U.S.

  4. Commission Released Final Report, Recommendations on Sept. 20, 2004 • Major message - Oceans and coasts in serious trouble • Report calls on President, Congress, federal agencies, states and locals to take action • 212 recommendations • No unfunded mandates – proposes Ocean Policy Trust Fund to pay for implementation

  5. The Report’s Cross-cutting Themes Ecosystem-based Management More Effective Governance Strengthened Educational Programs Improved Science for Decision Making

  6. Improved Science Considered Critical • Double U.S. investment in ocean research • Strengthen NOAA and improve federal agency structure • Strengthen the link between coastal and watershed management

  7. Double U.S. Investment in Ocean Research • Increase ocean and coastal research, including socioeconomic studies • Support ocean exploration • Implement the national Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) • Expand and integrate the national monitoring network, including good coverage of coastal areas

  8. Costs and Revenues • Total new cost to implement Commission recommendations is approx. $3.9 billion per year • Commission proposed creating an Ocean Policy Trust Fund in the U.S. Treasury to support both state and federal responsibilities • Source of Revenue: Approx. $4 billion in offshore oil and gas revenues plus any revenues generated by new offshore uses

  9. Our Vision of the Future • Economically vibrant coastal regions • Healthy, productive, diverse ecosystems • Improved public health and safety • Science-based decisions • Higher student achievement and a widespread stewardship ethic • Strong U.S. involvement in international ocean policy

  10. Next Steps • White House response to report due Dec. 19 • Ongoing Congressional support critical to successful implementation of recommendations

  11. The Time to Act is Now • Collective and sustained efforts by stakeholders at all levels are needed • Embrace the report as a whole • We can build on the current political interest and receptiveness • Additional fiscal resources will be needed WWW.OCEANCOMMISSION.GOV

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