US Commission on Ocean Policy Undertakes Broad Review

The Oceans Act of 2000 charged the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy to conduct an 18-month detailed review of existing and planned U.S. ocean and coastal programs and activities.  Activities in the ocean include, for example, mining for sand and gravel, oil and gas drilling and fisheries as well as activities relating to clean water and endangered species. Based upon this review, the Commission will develop policy for ocean and coastal programs and activities and will provide the President and Congress with recommendations for a national ocean policy.  Dr. Tom Kitsos was appointed Executive Director.  Dr. Kitsos was with the Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service and the House of Representatives Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. 

The Commission held two meetings in 2001 and a third in January 2002.  The January meeting was the first of nine regional meetings to be held around the country.  The January meeting provided regional, state and local government agencies and non-governmental organizations the opportunity to discuss issues of interest to the southeastern region from Delaware to Georgia.  Meetings are scheduled for Tampa Bay in February, New Orleans in March, Seattle in June, Boston in July, Anchorage in August, and Chicago in September.

The Commission is made of up individuals who represent mining, oil and gas, fisheries and environmental views.  Notably absent from the Commission are representatives for archaeology and recreation, such as boaters and sport divers.  Individuals who represent the interests of archaeology and recreation may want to consider attending the regional meetings and making their views known.

For more information on the commission and meeting dates and locations go to http://oceancommission.gov/

Submitted by Anne Giesecke

Email: agiesecke@americanbakers.org