Conserve Our Ocean Legacy

U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy

Brief Overview

In 1969, the Congressionally-mandated Stratton Commission conducted a major study on the status of U.S. oceans. This landmark study led to the creation of the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA). The study indicated that the U.S. required a new way to govern its oceans and protect its natural treasures. This report also set the stage for the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976.

Thirty years later, two separate blue-ribbon commissions have studied the state of our oceans again to determine whether new steps need to be taken to protect them. The Pew Oceans Commission, an independent panel, and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, a congressionally-authorized panel, both arrived at the same conclusions: the science is clear, U.S. ocean ecosystems are in crisis. The Pew Commission released its findings in June 2003 and the U.S. Commission will issue its report to governors and congressional leaders in the spring of 2004.

History of U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy

Congress enacted the Oceans Act of 2000 and then formed the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. The Commission was tasked with developing a report - complete with recommendations - regarding a coordinated national ocean policy. After the final report is issued to the President, the President is required to send a proposal to Congress containing recommendations in response to the report's recommendations and findings concerning development of a national ocean policy.

Some issues covered in this report:

State of the oceans
Goals of a national ocean policy
The need for integrated and ecosystem-based ocean planning and management
National ocean policy framework and an overall management approach
Coral reefs
Marine Mammal Protection Act
Aquaculture
Marine pollution
Offshore uses and opportunities (oil)

The 16-member Commission, which began its work in September 2001, launched a series of public meetings to gather information and hear about the most pressing issues that the nation faces regarding the use and stewardship of the oceans. After hearing from 440 presenters in 10 cities over 11 months, the Commission completed its information-gathering phase in October 2002. The Commission entered its deliberative phase in November 2002.

Timing

The Commission will release their report on April 20, 2004. Governors and key members of Congress will have 30 days to comment on the draft report; their comments are required to be incorporated into the final report. The final report is expected to be issued sometime in the late summer or early fall. Once the final report is issued to Congress and the President, the President will have 90 days to respond to the report. The Commission will cease to exist 30 days after the delivery of the final report.

The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy

In June of 2001, George W. Bush announced his intent to appoint the 16-member Commission on Ocean Policy. Some of the Commissioners were nominated by Congress and others were appointed by the President. The 16 Commissioners are made up of a diverse group with expertise ranging from ocean exploration to marine policy and law. Their qualifications range from retired naval officers, to PhD’s of marine studies, and even includes offshore drilling executives. A full list and description of the members can be found here.

Pew Ocean Commission

The Pew Oceans Commission was an independent group of American leaders conducting a national dialogue on the policies needed to restore and protect living marine resources in U.S. waters. After reviewing the best scientific information available and speaking with people from around the country, the Commission made its formal recommendations to Congress and the nation in June 2003. The Pew commission consisted of 18 members from an array of industries and fields. Members included CEOs from fishing industries, heads of environmental organizations and elected officials such as Governor George Pataki of New York and Governor Tony Knowles of Alaska.