1 An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century

2 The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy 16-member, independent, bi- partisan group 26 scientific advisors 16 public meetings 18 regional site visits 450 witnesses extensive scientific and stakeholder review process

3 What We Found Oceans and coasts are major contributors to the U.S. economy Ocean and coastal resources and ecosystems are in trouble The existing management structure is incompatible with the complexity of ecosystems

4 Cross-cutting Themes Ecosystem-based Management More Effective Governance Improved Science for Decision Making Strengthened Educational Programs

5 More Effective Governance Proposed Structure for Federal Coordination National Ocean Council Chair: Assistant to the President President’s Council of Advisors on Ocean Policy (Nonfederal) Committee on Ocean Resource Management Committee on Ocean Science, Education, Technology, and Operations Independent Ocean Advisory Councils Executive Office of the President President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Reporting Lines Communication Lines Advisory Lines

6 More Effective Governance (con’t) better regional organization, including regional ocean councils a coordinated offshore management regime a strengthened and streamlined federal agency structure a National Ocean Council a President’s Council of Advisors on Ocean Policy

7 Enhanced Science and Data 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 To provide better information to decision makers:

8 Improved Public Education Broaden public awareness of ocean issues and promote a sense of stewardship Improve scientific literacy using ocean themes Take advantage of both formal structures (schools and colleges) and informal avenues (such as aquariums, marine labs, and museums)

9 Specific Management Challenges Balancing economic growth and conservation along the coast Maintaining coastal and ocean water quality Achieving sustainable use of ocean resources Promoting international partnerships

10 Balancing Economic Growth and Conservation Along the Coast Challenges: Coastal population growth; habitat degradation; natural hazard mitigation; sedimentation; and economic viability. Solutions: Enhanced management capacity of state and local governments; link coastal and watershed management; consolidate federal programs; reduce incentives for inappropriate growth; coordinate habitat conservation and restoration programs; improve mechanism to synthesize and deliver useful data and information to managers

11 Maintaining Coastal and Ocean Water Quality Challenges: Point, nonpoint and atmospheric sources pollution; nonindigenous aquatic species Solutions: Transition toward an ecosystem-based management approach; support improvements in pollution infrastructure; improve federal coordination; clarify statutory authority to control nonpoint sources; support market-based approaches and incentives; establish ballast water standards and improve enforcement; reestablish a marine debris program.

12 Achieving Sustainable Use of Ocean Resources Challenges: Declining LMR populations; lack of coordination and uncertain authorities for many emerging offshore uses; inadequate scientific information; socio-economic impacts Solutions: Specific—RFMC changes; implement DAP/IFQs; expanded marine mammal and endangered species protection programs. Thematic—move towards ecosystem-based management; strengthen science/management link; clarify LMR management authorities; and create a regime for offshore management; and enhance socio-economic research

13 Promoting International Partnerships Adopting exemplary policies at home Acceding to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea Integrating ocean-related expertise into U.S. international policies Assisting other nations to build their scientific and management capacity Many of the problems we identified in U.S. waters are mirrored around the globe The U.S. should demonstrate leadership by:

14 Costs and Revenues Total new cost to implement Commission recommendations is approximately $3.9 billion per year (includes $1 billion to the states) Create an Ocean Policy Trust Fund in the U.S. Treasury to support both state and federal responsibilities Source of Revenue: approximately $4 billion in offshore oil and gas revenues plus any revenues generated by new offshore uses

15 Summary of Changes Clarified the role of states and stakeholders Additional emphasis on watershed management Revise regional governance recommendations Expanded discussion of climate change and submerged cultural heritage Consolidated and expanded discussion on funding

16 Next Steps White House review: September 20 – December 19 Congressional action

17 The Time to Act is Now Collective and sustained efforts by stakeholders at all levels are needed We can build on the current political interest and receptiveness Additional fiscal resources will be needed