Ocean Policy Report Card

The grade overall? D+

This grade is somewhat skewed as the Administration received one high grade - an A- for its initial response to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and Pew Oceans Commission reports. After the reports were released, there were high expectations of real reform from ocean advocates as the President, Congress and Governors embraced the major recommendations, the President issued an Ocean Action Plan and established a Committee on Ocean Policy. (The original recommendations called for a cabinet level position but we got a committee instead.) What has happened since that initial exuberant expectation for policies that would save our oceans?

Not much. While ocean advocates recognized that our oceans are in trouble and significant steps must be taken immediately to avoid substantial and irreversible degradation to these valuable and essential natural resources, the administration has done little to implement any meaningful actions to address these concerns.

Some of the highlights from the Report Card:

International Leadership - F

What's with this administration and international treaties? The U.S. had steadfastly refused to become a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The treaty provides new universal legal controls for the management of marine natural resources and the control of pollution. Despite overwhelming support from a diverse array of interests including offshore energy, maritime transportation, commerce and shipbuilding, the Senate has yet to schedule the convention for a floor vote, and more vigorous support from the Administration is needed. The declining health of the world's oceans is a global concern and the United States could and should become a world leader to ensure protection of our marine resources.

New Funding for Ocean Policy and Programs - F

Funding for essential ocean programs remains woefully insufficient and is far outpaced by current and future challenges. Failure to provide even the modest funding increase recommended by the Commissions, compounded by budget cuts in important ocean programs (the National Marine Sanctuary Program's budget was cut by a whopping 32% this year!) jeopardizes the economic and ecological benefits our nation receives from its ocean and its coasts. New investments must be made so that we can address ocean and coastal issues effectively.

National Ocean Governance Reform - D+

Our oceans are in trouble and the declining health of ocean and coastal ecosystems is due to fragmented laws, overlapping jurisdictions and the absence of a clear ocean policy. The steps taken to date do not meet the criteria set forth by the two ocean commissions. Despite pending legislation and efforts of the Committee, legislative and administrative reforms addressing organizational deficiencies in NOAA and mandatory interagency coordination and integration of ocean-related programs have been completely inadequate. We need a stronger NOAA capable of implementing an ecosystem-based management approach. Difficult to do with less funding but hey, what about some more tax cuts for the wealthy?

Research, Science and Education - D

Doubling the ocean research budget and significantly increasing support for ocean science and education are fundamental to improving our understanding and management of the oceans and coasts. The absence of an integrated ocean observing system capable of providing decision makers with important information compromises our nation's ability to manage the oceans. The lack of a an ocean and coastal stewardship ethic and a sluggish effort to coordinate the public education and outreach activities needed to enhance such an ethic hamper support for reform and funding. We CAN do better. Tell your legislators that the coasts and the oceans are important to you. Let them know that the solutions are out there and you want the recommendations of the Oceans Commissions implemented before it is too late.
Take Action!

See the complete Joint Ocean Commision Initiative Report Card.