President Obama's Ocean and Great Lakes Task Force is completing their report.

The period for public comments ended recently. Now, the Task Force is waiting for comments from state governments before submitting their recommendations to President Obama.

ORI ecostewards have played a major role in submitting many letters and personal comments on why a strong national ocean policy with marine spatial planning is vitally needed. See what ecostewards have already said.

Background

The growing uses of our shores and great waters for industrial and recreational purposes are unsustainable and threatens the health of our oceans and Great Lakes. Last summer President Obama established an Ocean Policy Task Force to create a National Ocean Management Policy Framework. They recently released their draft “Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning”.  

Currently over 140 laws and 20 different agencies govern our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes.  This fragmented system for managing our seas is ineffective and threatens their health. “Marine Spatial Planning” would foster a comprehensive, coordinated method for better managing the usage of spaces for industrial, fishing, and recreation that is sustainable and protects and improves the health of our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes.  Without this plan, the uncontrolled expansion of usage will threaten ocean life and it’s waters as a source for food, jobs, and recreation.  

ORI continues to gather your comments and will continue to broadcast your reasons for sound ocean management. ORI is actively working with the President's Council on Environmental Quality and with other outspoken environmental groups.

If you have not yet done so, or if you'd like to add to your comment, you may write to ORI. Please, tell us why protecting and improving the health of our oceans and shores, bays and beaches, estuaries and barrier reefs are important to you. Your voices are being heard. Thank you for commenting.