WASHINGTON, D.C. - July 19, 2010 The National Ocean Policy Coalition expressed its concern that the Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force announced today could result in unintended economic and societal consequences for ocean policy stakeholders.
“The National Ocean Policy Coalition believes that the Task Force’s final recommendations could lead to a new ocean policy that moves away from the traditional multiple-use ocean management approach toward a policy that restricts and excludes certain activities,” said National Ocean Policy Coalition Executive Director Brent Greenfield. “The Coalition looks forward to participating in the policy development and implementation process on behalf of its members to secure a sound and balanced ocean policy.”
The National Ocean Policy Coalition includes members from the recreationalfishing, construction, manufacturing, port, and energy communities. Given the potential reach and impacts of the new national ocean policy, it is essential that the policy be based on expansive input from all stakeholders and be fully vetted regarding potential consequences for economic and recreational activities prior to implementation. The Coalition seeks to secure a sound and balanced ocean policy that will enhance the public’s ability to utilize the oceans and their critical resources in a way that provides maximum benefit to the economic and societal interests of the American people.
The Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/files/documents/OPTF_FinalRecs.pdf.
