Obama Creates Ocean Task Force Hearings

President Obama has put together an Ocean Policy Task Force to help develop a National Ocean Policy and framework for Marine Spatial Planning. The Task Force is currently holding ‘listening sessions’ around the county to gather public input. Needless to say, this is a great opportunity to express support for ocean conservation – in particular, an Executive Order to protect, maintain, and restore our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes!

A strong National Ocean Policy will prioritize lasting ecosystem protection, while providing much-needed coordination for the 20 agencies and 140 laws that currently govern these resources. Meanwhile, Marine Spatial Planning provides an opportunity to plan for all the various existing/ emerging uses of the ocean – while ensuring we protect our oceans for future generations. For more info, see Surfrider’s A-Z article http://www.surfrider.org/a-z/MarineSpatialPlanning.php

Listed below are the scheduled dates for listening sessions around the country. Note that some are tentative, but updated info including meeting details will be posted at the website of the Ocean Policy Task Force. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans/> We urge any of you who are able to attend and provide public comment to do so! This is one of the best opportunities we are going to have to help shape ocean protection in a generation - your support will matter!

• San Francisco, CA - Sept 17
• Providence, RI - Sept. 24
• Honolulu, HI – Sept 29
• New Orleans, LA - Oct. 19 (tentative)
• Cleveland/Great Lakes - Oct. 29 (tentative)
  

In addition, chapters and individuals can also submit written comments through the website of the Ocean Policy Task Force. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans/> While comments should come from you, we’ve included some general concepts based on Surfrider’s mission and strategic initiatives. I hope others will weigh in with their thoughts and ideas! FYI - to see comments that Surfrider Foundation submitted in partnership with American Canoe Association and American Whitewater click here <http://www.surfrider.org/files/OPTF_commentsACA_AW_Surfrider.pdf> .
Sample comments

• We need a unifying National Ocean Policy that will protect, maintain, and restore the health of our ocean ecosystems. A national policy is needed to address the enormous challenges faced by our oceans and Great Lakes – including pollution, habitat loss, fishing pressure, climate change, energy projects, etc.
• We urge President Barack Obama to issue an Executive Order that will establish such a National Ocean Policy and help unify and strengthen our country’s current approach to ocean and coastal management.
• We need to prioritize the permanent protection of ‘special places’ including critical habitats and recreational areas (surfing spots, wildlife viewing, kayaking, etc.)
• Our Surfrider Chapter is willing/ interested to participate in marine spatial planning discussions in our area to provide input on behalf of local recreational ocean users
  

Also, for a more in-depth set of recommendations, here is a link to the NRDC letter

http://www.surfrider.org/files/nrdc_final_ocean_comments.pdf