Ocean Policy Task Force News

Obama Administration officials will hold their sixth regional Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 29, 2009. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices. The Task Force is charged with developing a recommendation for a national policy that ensures protection, maintenance, and restoration of the oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes. It will also recommend a framework for improved stewardship, and effective coastal and marine spatial planning. The public is encouraged to attend and an opportunity for public comment will be provided. Dr.

Obama Administration officials will hold a Gulf Coast Regional Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in New Orleans on Monday, October 19, 2009. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices. The Task Force, established by President Obama via presidential memorandum on June 12, is charged with developing a recommendation for a national policy that ensures protection, maintenance, and restoration of oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes. It will also recommend a framework for improved stewardship, and effective coastal and marine spatial planning.

The U.S. Arctic Research Commission believes that the U.S. needs a robust research program to address spill response in broken ice, as shipping moves into the Arctic Ocean and offshore oil drilling - in several Arctic nations - moves forward. Mead Treadwell, chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, prepared testimony for the August 20 field hearing in Anchorage of the U.S. Senate's Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Treadwell told the committee that, contrary to laws passed by Congress after the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster in 1989, a significant national oil spill research program does not exist, nor is one planned to fit the special needs of the Arctic. It was anticipated that the U.S.

Traditional navigational routes for ferries and other passenger vessels must be recognized and protected. That was the Passenger Vessel Association’s message delivered this summer to President Obama’s Interagency Task Force on Ocean Policy. PVA told the Interagency Task Force, “Ferry routes and other traditional navigational lanes are located where they are for a reason. These are the most economical and safest routes by which a vessel can reach its destination. They cannot be arbitrarily moved for someone else’s convenience or whim. As governments begin to implement ‘marine spatial planning’ (or ocean zoning), it is essential to be aware of the needs of the maritime industry, especially ferry operators, to preserve and protect their routes and traditional navigational lanes.

Several White House and federal agency officials participating in the new Ocean Policy Task Force will be traveling throughout Alaska and the Arctic from Aug. 17 to 21, to observe ongoing activities in the region and meet with local and indigenous community leaders and industry representatives. During their travel, the party will provide updates on their activities and observations, including photos, videos and blog posts throughout. The increasingly accessible and active Arctic region has significant environmental, scientific, economic and security impacts that have broad implications for all of the agencies participating and the public responsibilities they hold. This high-level interagency visit, facilitated by the U.S.

The U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, in coordination with White House and federal agency officials, will be traveling throughout the Arctic region, Aug. 17-21, to participate in the new Ocean Policy Task Force, observe ongoing activities and meet with local and indigenous community leaders and industry representatives. Adm. •    Dr. The increasingly accessible and active Arctic region has significant environmental, scientific, economic and security impacts that have broad implications for all of the agencies participating and the public responsibilities they hold. This high-level interagency visit, facilitated by the U.S. Coast Guard, will…