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October 31, 2001 News Release:
Commission on Ocean Policy to Meet with National-level Organizations and Federal Agencies
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The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy will meet with national-level organizations and federal agencies during its second meeting on November 13 and 14, 2001 in Washington, D.C. The meeting will focus on the issues of concern and interest to these organizations and agencies as the commission formulates its recommendations for a coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy. Armed with this national overview, the commission will then gather additional information from a local/regional perspective through a series of at least seven regional meetings, starting with the Southeast in January, 2002.
The meeting will convene at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13, 2001 in the Navy Memorial Foundation Auditorium at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. in Washington, D.C.
The 16-member Commission appointed by President George W. Bush will assess a wide range of challenging issues, including stewardship of fisheries and marine life; responsible use of offshore oil, gas and non-living resources; coastal storms and other natural hazards; ocean and coastal pollution; marine transportation; the role of oceans in climate change; oceanographic science and technologies; and international leadership and cooperation in marine affairs.
Established by the Oceans Act of 2000, the Commission is charged with reviewing the effects of federal ocean-related laws and programs. The result of its 18-month investigation will be a report detailing the commission’s findings and recommendations for reducing duplication, improving efficiency, enhancing cooperation, and modifying the structure of federal agencies involved in the world’s oceans. The Act requires the commission to “give equal consideration to environmental, technical, feasibility, economic, and scientific factors.”
The last in-depth review of the nation’s ocean laws and policies was conducted in the late 1960s under similar legislation. That review led to the creation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the passage of major legislation governing fisheries and coastal management.
Within 120 days of delivery of the Commission’s report, the Act requires the president to submit to Congress proposals and responses to the Commission’s recommendations.
Additional information is available on the Ocean Commission website at http://www.oceancommission.gov.
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