Boston's Historic Faneuil Hall, where in 4- part harmony, National Ocean Council presented stewardships plans

On Dec 9, 2010 the National Ocean Council principals (NOAA, the Navy, Coast Guard and Interior) presented their stewardship plans in Boston’s Faneuil Hall. At the front of the great room is an enormous painting by George Healy. Daniel Webster stands surrounded by legislators with stakeholders filling the balcony above. Webster sought permission from the Massachusetts legislature to expand his farming operation in Marshfield into the salt marsh. Privatization of ocean environs, the taking of public commons, was well underway by 1840. 

Thank President Obama for protecting our seas

Leadership represented the National Ocean Council from NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard and Interior.  They reiterated the Administration’s commitment to provide the most senior levels of engagement in the implementation of the National Ocean Policy.  The historic presentations with questions and answers was a historic step forward of the President’s vision to ensure the sustainability, resilience, health, security, and productivity of ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources for the benefit of all Americans.

In Jan 2010 we called for a national ocean policy inspired by Jim Toomey's Sherman Lagoon characters wearing blue and by rallying in state capitals, plus in Massachusetts, the Cambridge Community Center. We drew pictures and wrote letters to President Obama to create a National Ocean Policy in keeping with the recommendations of his Oceans Task Force (who had collected comments from across the nation). In July, the President made it so with an executive order.

Join with ORI in sending your words of thanks to President Obama. To see NOAA, the Navy, Coast Guard and Interior stand before us in collaboration with with expressions of comprehensive ocean stewardship is truly outstanding. Please take a moment to give testimonial to this particularly worthy executive order by President Obama.

Thank President Obama for comprehensive ocean stewardship, right now.