OCS Scientific Committee Meeting Summary - OCEAN
Activities Update
Since the release of the Cabinet's report, "Turning to the Sea: America's Ocean
Future" in September 1999, the President has issued several key directives for
follow-on Federal actions on several aspects related to U. S. ocean policy. These
directives, through official memoranda or Executive Order, call for: 1) creation of an
Ocean Report Task Force to develop implementation plans for key recommendations in the
Cabinet's ocean report; 2) recommendations for the creation of a national system of marine
protected areas, enhanced protection for natural and cultural marine resources,
development of a list of existing marine protected areas, and an information website for
better management of marine protected areas; and 3) creation of an Ocean Exploration Panel
to recommend a national strategy of ocean exploration.
In addition, the Pew Charitable Trusts created a private Ocean Commission in May 2000,
chaired by Governor Christine Todd-Whitman of New Jersey and vice-chaired by former
California Congressman and White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta to develop
recommendations for better protection of living marine resources and biodiversity. In
September 2000, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Oceans Act which
creates an Ocean Commission to look at the full spectrum of marine issues including the
need for a coordinated national marine policy.
Dr. Turgeon, MMS Chief Scientist, has been actively involved in the Federal activities
as both an MMS and DOI representative, gave a status report on these various ocean
initiatives.
For more information, contact Julie Reynolds.
