Ocean Policy Task Force

On Friday, June 12, President Obama signed a memorandum directing the establishment of an Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force. The President charged this Task Force with developing recommendations for a national policy for the oceans, our coasts, and the Great Lakes, improved policy coordination, and a framework for coastal and marine spatial planning. On the same date, the President issued a Proclamation for National Oceans Month, 2009. In that Proclamation, the President called for a "more integrated and comprehensive approach to developing a national ocean policy," that will "incorporate ecosystem-based science and management and emphasize our public stewardship responsibilities." He promised that his Administration would "develop a systematic marine spatial planning framework for the conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources."

The President designated the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to chair the Task Force. The other members of the Task Force are to be "senior-level policy officials represented on the existing Committee on Ocean Policy." DHS has asked that the Coast Guard take the lead for DHS on the Task Force and participate in its work and I attended the Task Force's first meeting this morning.

The Coast Guard has a rich legacy as a multi-mission maritime service. For over two centuries, we have safeguarded our citizens, secured our maritime borders, and served as a responsible steward of the oceans, coastal areas, and Great Lakes. In addition, as the principle Federal maritime law enforcement agency, the Coast Guard currently enforces many laws that implement existing ocean governance frameworks and that safeguard our oceans and their marine resources.

The Coast Guard has a vision and strategy for maritime safety, security, and stewardship now and into the future. Among our strategic priorities are strengthening regimes in the U.S. maritime domain, and increasing our awareness of activities in that domain.

The new ocean policy initiative aligns very well with our strategic imperatives and our view of how the Nation should be going forward to better protect its oceans and resources.

Ours is a maritime and coastal nation that relies on oceans, coastal areas, the Great Lakes, and other waterways to connect us with the global supply chain, feed us, supply energy, provide recreation, and buffer us from harm.

The Coast Guard will continue to work with the Congress, our interagency partners, and our regional, state, local, private, and international partners to carry out its strategic vision. We look forward to participating in the Task Force as it will determine the Nation's ocean priorities, which will impact Coast Guard strategy implementation and resource priorities.

The Coast Guard also recognizes that maritime governance can be improved, including at the international, regional, state, and local level, and very much supports that effort. I will keep you informed as we proceed with this important effort.

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