The following op-ed by Priscilla M. Brooks, Ph.D. and Berl Hartman ran in the New Bedford (Massachusetts) Standard-Times. Priscilla M. Brooks is vice president and director of ocean conservation for the Conservation Law foundation, and Berl Hartman is chapter director, E2 New England.
The National Oceans Council is composed of cabinet secretaries, agency administrators, executive office directors, and White House officials.
Many in the commercial fishing industry have expressed concern that the only member of the Council with ties to the fishing industry is the NOAA Administrator, a post currently held by Dr. Jane Lubchenco. The Governance Coordinating Committee has representatives with closer ties to fisheries.
The Council was established by executive order, not by Congressional action or legislation.
In July 2010, after two Blue Ribbon Commission reports and an extensive nationwide series of hearings, President Obama issued an executive order establishing the nation's first comprehensive National Ocean Policy for the stewardship of our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes.
This policy will establish better ocean management through regional partnerships, stakeholder engagement, science-based decisions and an open public process where all ocean users have a seat at the table. It will also save taxpayer dollars by improving government efficiency; reducing duplication between agencies; increasing coordination; and ensuring the comprehensive data collection and public involvement that informs decision-making.
Read the complete opinion piece from The Standard-Times.
Read about the National Ocean Policy from the White House.
Read about the National Ocean Council.