Open for Comments: National Ocean Policy Strategic Action Plans

As part of President Obama’s commitment to move toward the first comprehensive national policy for our oceans, the National Ocean Council (NOC) is responsible for developing strategic action plans to achieve nine priority objectives that address some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. 

Engaging with the public is a key component for us in the development of these strategic actions plans.  That’s why today we are launching a public comment period to get your feedback and input on the development of these plans.  The health and productivity of our waters is critically important to our economy and for American families. This is your opportunity to help ensure we make the most of these precious resources by sharing your comments and ideas during the development of the plans that will implement a National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes.  Comments will be accepted through April 29, 2011.

Read about the nine priority objectives on pages 28-40 of the Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force.

As you make your comments it is important to take into account:

• The strategic action plans are built to address key issues  identified in the Final Recommendations of, which were adopted in the President’s Executive Order 13547;
• The importance of integrating local, regional, and national efforts; and
• The opportunities, obstacles, and metrics of progress relevant to each of the priority objectives. 

The National Ocean Council plans to release the draft strategic action plans in the summer of 2011, at which time the Council will provide an additional opportunity for public comments.

For more information, read the Federal Register Notice announcing this opportunity for public comment.

To submit your comments, please visit the public comment website.

Shere Abbott is Associate Director for Environment at the Office of Science and Technology Policy

Mike Boots is Associate Director for Land and Water Ecosystems at the Council on Environmental Quality