Oceana Applauds National Ocean Council’s Plan to Better Manage Oceans and Coasts
A step forward in national ocean policy and Arctic protection
Environmental advocacy group Oceana has praised the release of the National Ocean Council’s (NOC) draft plan to better manage the United States’ oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. The policy blueprint lays out nine national objectives aimed at improving ecological health, coordinating federal efforts, and strengthening science-based decision-making.
This move, announced in January 2012, represents a major shift toward more comprehensive and sustainable marine management.
A Comprehensive Ocean Strategy
The draft Implementation Plan outlines over 50 actions the federal government will take to ensure cleaner, safer, and more resilient ocean and coastal ecosystems. These actions range from improving water quality to enhancing marine biodiversity, managing data, and coordinating emergency preparedness.
“This plan is a major step forward,” said Corry Westbrook, then Federal Policy Director at Oceana. “Healthy oceans are essential—not just for ecosystems, but also for our economy, national security, and public health.”
The plan encourages collaboration across federal agencies, coastal states, and tribal governments, while also improving public access to marine data.
Urgency in the Arctic
While the plan covers all U.S. marine regions, Oceana particularly applauded the Council’s attention to the rapidly changing Arctic. The Arctic has become a focal point for environmental groups due to melting sea ice, industrial development, and fragile ecosystems.
Susan Murray, Senior Director for Oceana’s Pacific region, emphasized the stakes.
“Climate change is hitting the Arctic hard and fast,” Murray said. “We can’t afford to wait. We lack the science and infrastructure to make informed, responsible choices in this region.”
She urged the federal government to invest in Arctic research, create a science-based oil spill response strategy, and develop stronger protections for local communities and marine life.
Long-Term Environmental and Economic Value
The National Ocean Policy aims to deliver benefits far beyond environmental protections. It supports sustainable fisheries, disaster resilience, renewable energy development, and climate adaptation strategies—all while reducing costly duplication across agencies.
Oceana believes this type of integrated planning is long overdue.
“For decades, we’ve managed our oceans with a patchwork of policies,” said Westbrook. “This framework brings order and purpose to our approach. It balances economic interests with the need for long-term ecological health.”
Next Steps: From Draft to Action
The National Ocean Council’s plan remains in draft form, with a public comment period open to stakeholders and the general public. Oceana encourages quick finalization and urges strong follow-through.
Environmental organizations, Indigenous communities, and ocean scientists are expected to weigh in with feedback on how to improve and implement the strategy.
Oceana stressed that implementation must be backed by real investment and political will, especially as environmental pressures on U.S. waters continue to grow—from plastic pollution and overfishing to rising sea levels and Arctic oil exploration.
A Turning Point for Ocean Governance?
If carried through, the National Ocean Policy would mark one of the most significant advances in marine governance in U.S. history. It replaces fragmented management with a unified, science-based roadmap. It also aims to ensure that federal actions reflect the input of coastal communities and Indigenous peoples.
For Oceana, this is more than a policy document—it’s a chance to get things right.
“The Council has laid the foundation,” Murray said. “Now we need the urgency, the funding, and the courage to follow through.”
Contact:
Dustin Cranor, APR
📧 dcranor@oceana.org
📞 954-348-1314
Source: Oceana
