September 10, 2004 Media Advisory

Washington, D.C.  -- As mandated by the Oceans Act of 2000, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy will submit its Final Report, An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century, to the President and Congress on Monday, September 20, 2004. Details of the release will follow.

Under the Act, the President must then submit to Congress his statement of proposals to implement or respond to the Commission’s findings and recommendations within 90 days of receiving the Final Report.

An electronic copy of the Final Report will be available on the Commission website, oceancommission.gov, once the report is released. 

Commission Chairman Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.), will testify on the Commission’s findings and recommendations for a coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2004, in Russell-253.

Background on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy

The Commission began its work in September 2001, with a series of nine regional meetings and 18 site visits around the country. Over the last three years, Commission members learned first-hand about the most pressing issues facing the nation concerning the use and stewardship of ocean and coastal resources. The Final Report is built on information presented at those meetings, combined with the latest scientific and technical information on oceans and coasts as well as comments from the nation’s governors, tribal leader, experts and the public.  The report’s findings and policy recommendations reflect a balanced approach to protecting the marine environment while sustaining the vital role oceans and coasts play in our lives and national economy. For more information go to: oceancommission.gov.  

Contacts:

Scott Treibitz, (703) 276-2772 ext 11
David Roscow, (703) 276-2772 ext 21
Kate Naughten, (202) 418-3465

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