Washington, D.C.

April 2-3, 2003
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Introduction of Draft Policy 
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

ACADEMIC RESEARCH FU

OCEAN SCIENCES

• The Administration should propose, at a minimum

Federal ocean research budget from today’s $63the next 5 years to bring it back to its 7% parity le

• Recommend a Federal research policy which urg

demand the Administration develop coordinated 5plans to improve stability in the research base. Tbe responsible for implementation and oversight o

• Recommend Federal ocean agencies adopt a un

within each agency which also employs 3-year gr

• The NORLC should develop a mechanism that pr

transition of academic research results to agency NOAA should lead this effort. Pattern after ONR’
April 2-3, 2003

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EXPLORATION

• Recommend support of the President’s Panel on O

and the NRC panel report for the establishment of long-term effort in global ocean exploration.

• Recommend that the program be bold and innova

broad consensus on its benefits to the Nation.

• Exploring and mapping of the continental margin a

U.S. should be a program component.

• Recommend a national policy which asserts that o

education, and exploration are inextricably linked understanding of the oceanic realm.
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

INTERNATIONAL LEADER

OCEAN SCIENCES

• The U.S. needs to increase its commitment to and part

ocean science, technology, and education; especially ilarge cooperative projects of critical importance to globhealth and discovery.

• The U.S. should call for and lead a new long-term ocea

the highly successful IDOE Program but with an endur

• The U.S. needs to expand and maintain its internationa

role in education, research and exploration, infrastructuexchange.

• The Department of State needs to improve communica

streamlining its coordination of U.S. participation in maoperations, and education within the international aren
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

TECHNOLOGY DEVELO

• The Federal government should establish and su

system of virtual marine technology development national needs and mission requirements for the 

– These centers should be federal-academic-private – These centers could be modeled after the NSF “ce

• A key priority of the centers should be technology 

ocean and coastal observing system.

• Federal funding for technology should be on a pa

requested increase of $630M for ocean research Nation has the requisite tools to conduct a rigorouocean science. 
April 2-3, 2003

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EXISTING AND REQUIRED 

SCIENCE INFRASTRUCT

• The Administration should immediately implemen

planning process for a national ocean facilities strby the Senate Appropriations Committee, includin

• The Administration should request, and the Cong

appropriate funding for critical ocean infrastructurparticularly the UNOLS Fleet Replacement Plan, assets, and other platform requirements including sensing.

• The Administration should elevate ocean science 

higher priority within NSF and at the same levels identified for all science sectors by the National S2002 report.
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

National Ocean Research Leader

ISSUE: The Council needs to be given additional resp

greater accountability to achieve the goals of the originaOceanographic Partnership Act.PROPOSAL: Amend the NOPA to enhance NORLC as 

1. Delete “Research” from its name to indicate a br2. Expand its mandate to include coordination, inte

planning of Federal marine facilities and operatio(e.g., mapping and charting).

3. Give it explicit responsibility for the national Integ

Sustained Ocean and Coastal Observation and 

4. Expand membership to include USDA, NIH and 5. Specify it reports to and takes direction from the 

council with respect to implementation of ocean 

6. Establish a full-time Federal support office adeq

and funded to meet its mandated responsibilities
April 2-3, 2003

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National Polar-orbiting Op

Environmental Satellite 

• The “converged” NPOESS managed by the IP

develop a clear and long-range vision for:

– Calibration/validation of the satellite data f

ocean research applications

– Design of science data and products archi

integration of the new data with historical sclimate and ocean assessments

– High spatial and temporal resolution adequ

management

– An altimetry program that is based on less
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Aquaculture

• Potential for expanding US aquaculture industry i

– Burdensome permitting regime– Lack of process to permit/lease offshore areas– Environmental concerns 

• These concerns should be addressed so that aqu

expand in an environmentally sustainable manne

• The National Ocean Council, overseeing the activ

Subcommittee on Aquaculture, should be respona comprehensive and coordinated National Policy Aquaculture.
April 2-3, 2003

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Aquaculture (cont.)

• The NOC should develop:

– National Standards for Operating Procedures– A streamlined Federal aquaculture permitting 

recommending any necessary statutory chan

– A process for inclusion into Regional Ecosyst

• This Nation’s ocean agency should be designate

for marine aquaculture and establish an Office of Aquaculture, with a permanent National Aquacul
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Aquaculture (cont.)

Regional Coordinating Bodies should:• Work to incorporate aquaculture into regi

management plan, including working with Ocean Agency and other Federal agencistreamlined, “1-stop shopping” permit pro

• Consider establishment of regional stand

with the national standards; use as base permitting aquaculture facilities in public w
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

International Management 

Marine Resources

Domestic action alone will be insufficient to address 

problems facing US living marine resources. In fact(sea turtle bycatch, whale ship strikes, marine mammmigratory species fisheries), the primary problem caaddressed by coordinated international action.

The United States, because of its international econo

educational leadership role, has the ability to improvof living marine resources that cross many nations’ j

USCOP supports the Administration’s recent efforts 

Summit on Sustainable Development; we urge the Sbegin to implement the plans developed at the summ
April 2-3, 2003

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International Management of 

Short-Term Recommendations 

Working through auspices of NOC:• The resource agencies (e.g. NOAA, FWS, EPA) s

State Department efforts to better manage living 

• Based on this work, the NOC should arrange for t

to support DOS in its role as lead US agency in inmatters. Specifically, NOC should arrange to supof international agreements, for scientific accuracconsiderations. 
April 2-3, 2003

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International Management of 

Medium- to Long-term Recommendatio

The National Ocean Council should:

– Develop a coordinated Federal plan to increas

capacity in less developed countries in a sust

• Scientific & technological expertise • Funding for conservation and research activitie• Educating or training US and foreign personne

– Sustaining these efforts over the long-term is 

success of these programs and will require sigand continued attention from the NOC.

– Executive Order 13141 is step in right directio

more effective and independent review of tradfully address international living marine resou
April 2-3, 2003

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International Management of 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sho• Improve existing domestic programs to develop gear a

reduce fisheries bycatch of marine mammals and sea tnon-target species. 

• These gears and methods should be exported to other 

wherever possible.

The US Congress should consider developing and approv• Similar to the Tropical Forest Conservation Act, to prot

Ecosystems by forgiving a nation’s debt if they develop appropriate strategies to manage their coral reef ecosy

• Similar to the Wild Bird Conservation Act, to prohibit im

ornamental fish and corals into the US unless the expocertify the organisms were harvested in a sustainable m
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Living Marine Resources En

Use of Cooperative Federal-State Enforce

Agreements

• At a minimum, funding for joint federal-s

enforcement operations should be restolevels. 

• USCG should be included in the develo

agreements.
April 2-3, 2003

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LMR Enforcement (co

Expand Joint Training Programs Through E

Regional Fisheries Training Centers

• USCG fishery enforcement training centers shoul

allow for greater participation by NMFS and state personnel. 

• Emphasis should be placed on a comprehensive 

regional enforcement and methods to enhance coenforcement efforts. 

• Training programs should include input from NMF

enforcement officers. 
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

LMR Enforcement (co

Encourage Innovative Ways of Maximizing 

Existing Enforcement Assets

• Fund innovative uses of technology. • Continue efforts to better coordinate the s

enforcement information among agencies coordinate notification. 

• Continue focusing on community outreac

efforts and share successful approaches federal agencies and states. Combine wwith existing boating safety and recreatioprograms.
April 2-3, 2003

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LMR Enforcement (co

• Necessary resources should be made av

USCG, and a commitment made by the Uits LMR enforcement activities to, or at le9/11 levels.

• Recognizes that even pre-9/11 enforcem

the USCG and other Federal entities wermake broader use of cooperative State-Fenforcement agreements

– Funding– USCG included
April 2-3, 2003

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Vessel Monitoring System 

• VMS participation should be required for all comm

permitted under federal fisheries plans.

• Uniform national “core” requirements for VMS sys

established.

• NMFS and USCG should accelerate cooperative 

– Complete the centralized infrastructure and pr

time information to enforcement assets. 

– Coordinate their monitoring and information-s

to provide maximum possible utilization of VM

• Costs of VMS installation and operations should b
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

General Vessel Pollution 

Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs)• Establish new MSD discharge standards, which a

old, taking into consideration current information osystems and impacts on the environment and hum

• Develop a system, such as a performance warran

ensure that MSDs continue to meet discharge statime.

• Conduct research to:

– Determine the cumulative impacts of vessel sewag

particularly in areas of high vessel concentration, bareas, and in areas with low exchange rates. 

– Determine the adequacy and effectiveness of NDZ

facilities.

• Modify discharge standards as needed based on 

research.
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

General Vessel Pollution Iss

Air Emissions• Support the development of a more extensive air 

to monitor and characterize ship emissions, particlocated in problem air basins.

• Support and provide incentives for industry to red

– Adopt new technologies – Use low-sulfur fuels 

• Encourage the in-port use of shore power grids w

existing infrastructure permits.
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

General Vessel Pollution Iss

Oily Bilge Water• Support industry initiatives such as the us

turbine engines which reduce oil in bilge 

• Include oily water treatment system inspe

unannounced enforcement inspections.
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Cruise Ship Pollutio

Overall Management Approach• Build upon voluntary industry initiatives to 

wide waste management practices, and ttechnologies for treatment and reduction 

– Provide incentives to encourage innov

approaches

• Complement voluntary programs with com

regulatory regimes which provide clear, urequirements for cruise ship waste mana

• Provide for a robust national enforcemen

characterized by clear and consistent interegulatory requirements.
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Cruise Ship Pollution (

Blackwater and Greywater

• Drawing upon the federal and state statutory regi

place in Alaska, develop a federal statutory regimnationwide, for the regulation of cruise ship blackand other waste streams. 

Hazardous Waste• Resolve existing ambiguities in the application of 

the management and disposal of hazardous wastaboard cruise ships.

• Develop a process for uniformity in application of 

permitting, and enforcement that takes into accoucruise ships in multiple jurisdictions. 
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Cruise Ship Pollution (

Solid Waste

• Provide incentives for the ongoing develo

technologies to treat and dispose of solid 

• Assess the adequacy of shore reception 

work to enhance capacity where necessa
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Invasive Species - Ballas

• Develop a ballast water performance 

on the size of organisms.

• Allocate resources to the developmen

technologies to meet the standards.

• Reauthorize NISA to allow the U.S. fle

negotiating an international ballast wa
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Invasive Species

• Strengthen education, outreach and publ

in invasive species management.

• Develop a risk assessment and managem

evaluate non-native introductions.

• Develop revenue streams from local user 

industry.
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Marine Debris

• Educate the public about how their individual acti

have a dramatic impact on the marine debris prob

• Reestablish an interagency marine debris commi

EPA and NOAA, charged with expanding and betmarine debris efforts.

• Increase agency involvement and revive the Mari

Research Program (MERP) or create a similar pr

• Improve port reception facilities to address the ma

problem. Congress should require the establishmstandards for reception facilities.
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Marine Debris (cont.

• Support and assist other countries in implementin

Areas designations under Annex V of MARPOL.

• The National Research Council (NRC), the Food 

Organization (FAO), and other appropriate organmake recommendations to address the derelict fisproblem.

• Improve source identification, data sharing, and m• Increase funding for public education; monitoring 

identification; prevention; and derelict fishing geasuch as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Expe
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

National Ocean Council (NO

Nonpoint Source Pollut

NOC to Establish National Goal:• Measurable improvement in reducing polluted run

watersheds in the U.S. 

NOC Functions:

• Improve interagency coordination/cooperation/pa• Ensure that federal water quality protection progr

coordinated, at national and regional/state levels, 

– Coordinate budget formulation, on a multi-yea

planning basis: priority-setting and assessme

– Not review of annual agency budgets.
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

NOC and Nonpoint Source Pol

• Attention to interagency coordination and 

when a problem has sources in multiple 

• Seek to maintain and increase funding fo

programs in general. 

• Develop public support for NPS control.

- Public education, outreach, and mar- Must influence multiple national polic
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

NOC and 2002 Farm Bill Imple

Goal:• Work with USDA to ensure that the conserva

the 2002 Farm Bill are implemented effective

Functions:• Support and encourage USDA’s efforts to im

2002 Farm Bill, with emphasis on maximizinconservation programs’ benefits for water qu

• NOC should consult with USDA and other in

agencies as they develop specific, measurafor NPS that USDA would have a lead role i
April 2-3, 2003

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NOC and 2002 Farm Bill Impleme

NOC to work with USDA on priority initiative

• State conservationists role in NPS control.• NRCS technical assistance.• Link subsidies and BMPs.• Review commodity policy.• Carbon sequestration.• Revise research and marketing efforts (shift from 
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Concentrated Animal Feeding O

(CAFOs)

• Congress should ensure that the full auth

for 2002 Farm Bill conservation programs 

• USDA should target the programs’ funds 

CAFOs that will have the greatest water q

• Should implement the voluntary EPA-US

National Strategy for Animal Feeding Op- To reach the smaller 80 – 90% of AF

regulated by the EPA CAFO rule. 
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Sewage Treatment Pl

Funding Shortfalls for Water Infrastructure and State • Continue federal appropriations for CWA SRF 

grants, at approx. $850 million/yr - $1.35 billion

• Continue federal funding to states to implemen• Program managers should give highest priority 

programs that will:

1. Protect public health.2. Obtain benefits for water quality where p
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Sewage Treatment Plant

CWA § 301(h) Waivers for Secondary Treat

Discharges

• EPA should ensure that all POTWs apply

waivers fully meet all environmental critegrants the waiver. 
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Sewage Treatment Plan

Advanced Treatment (AT) of Nut

and P) at POTWs

• EPA and Congress should req

consideration of advanced nutremoval for sewage dischargenutrient-impaired waters. 

• EPA should continue to resear

Biological Nutrient Reduction A
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Sewage Treatment Plan

Septic Systems

• EPA and others should urge States and lo

governments to:- Adopt, and better enforce, better buildcodes for septic systems; - Improve public education about septic maintenance.

• The NAS/NRC should: 

1. Study whether economic and/or social fpolicies encourage new development that systems; and 2. Recommend policies to promote centra
April 2-3, 2003

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Stormwater

Watershed Protection• Increase support and funding for outreach progra

local officials as well as the general public about decisions affect aquatic resources. 

• The overall goal should be to meet state water qu• Minimize disturbance to the natural environment w• Determine the best areas to be preserved taking 

water quality becomes increasingly degraded as surfaces in a watershed increase above the ten-pRequire that new development be conducted to m

• Re-examine building codes and ordinances that s

environmentally-friendly development.
April 2-3, 2003

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Stormwater (cont.)

New Development• Establish national, performance-based goals, with 

create more stringent goals, to reduce the impactdevelopment and abate post-development impac

• Best Management Practices (BMPs) should be us

should be done to determine if the BMPs are effegoals.

• If the goals are not being met, BMPs should be re

BMPs should be used to meet the established go
April 2-3, 2003

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Stormwater (cont.)

Existing Development• Monitor to identify the major problems and focus 

controlling these problems.

• State and local governments should identify the lo

objectives and establish performance-based goalshould also be to meet the state water quality sta

• Actions to meet these goals include, but are not l

putting local ordinances in place; ensuring legal rmet; and retrofitting.

• Similar to new development, after these BMPs ha

monitoring should be done to see if the goals are they are not, new or revised BMPs should be use
April 2-3, 2003

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Clean Water Act Section 404 

• Federal government should assert wetlands 

broadest Constitutional extent:

• States should enact laws to protect all wetlan• Encourage EPA and the Army Corps to main

“No Net Loss” and work towards increasing twetland base.

– Strongly encourage avoidance of wetland– Require replacement for unavoidable loss

• Encourage EPA and Army Corps to continue 

National Mitigation Action Plan.

– Require effective mitigation for unavoidab
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Sediment Manageme

Environmentally sound dredge man

is important to Port competitive

• Encourage all ports develop Compreh

Management Plans linking economic, social issues for the port and its coastprocess should link to watershed cou

• Conduct detailed monitoring and rese

sediment processes and contaminatioregions.

• Request dredge permit process analy

National Academy of Public Administr
April 2-3, 2003

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Atmospheric Deposition of 

• Urge EPA: reduce emissions 

toxics, using both the CAA and 

• Urge Congress: proceed now 

CAA to require significant reduNOx, SO2, and mercury for the of protecting water quality and 

concerns. 
April 2-3, 2003

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Atmospheric Deposition of Po

• Urge EPA, State Dept., and others to in

to address international air pollution.

• Encourage States to enact and implem

to regulate in-State air emissions for th

protecting water quality and related con

• Encourage EPA’s and others’ efforts to 

AD problems and sources:

– Watershed managers;– State air and water pollution control official– The general public.
April 2-3, 2003

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Incentives, Disincentives, and “Backsto

For Nonpoint Source & Watershed 

• Congress should provide financial incentives and 

federal “backstop” authority, to encourage states leading role to address NPS.

• Legal & Policy Precedent: Clean Air Act says, if 

- State loses federal highway funds, and

- EPA must prepare a “FIP” to regulate air em

• Federal government would control NPS sources 

fails”.

– Data gathering mechanism required– Financial and legal tools to be phased-in ove

does not make “reasonable progress”. 

– All parties would know “what’s coming next” 

chronically fails to address NPS.

– Incentive based as possible
April 2-3, 2003

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Governance Recommen

1. The National Ocean Policy F2. Regional Ocean and Coasta

Governance

3. Federal Agency Reorganiza4. Offshore Oil and Gas/ Existi

Emerging Uses

5. Coastal Management
April 2-3, 2003

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The National Ocean Policy F

• That the President create, by Executiv

Congress, by statute, a National OceaFramework, composed of a designatethe President, an Office of Ocean PolExecutive Office of the President, a NCouncil, and a Presidential Council of Ocean Policy (a FACA advisory coun

• That the Office of Ocean Policy in the 

Office of the President be directed by Assistant to the President and be supas necessary to support the Office of and the National Ocean Council;
April 2-3, 2003

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The National Ocean Policy F

• That the National Ocean Council be 

designated Assistant to the Presidencomposed of cabinet secretaries of agencies and directors of independeagencies; and

• That the National Ocean Council be 

Presidential Council of Advisors on OFACA advisory council) made up of governors, other appropriate state, lgovernment representatives, as welsector, research community, non-goorganizations, and watershed organ
April 2-3, 2003

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NOC Functions 

For discussion purposes, the term “National Omeans the “National Ocean Policy Frameworabove.The following are the types of functions of the Ocean Council. This list is not exhaustive: • Policy Formulation, Program Implemen

Reporting:

– Guide implementation and continuous impro

Commission’s recommendations for broad nprinciples and develop new policy as needs 

– Make recommendations for federal agency 

consolidation reflecting Commission recomm
April 2-3, 2003

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NOC Functions

• Policy Formulation, Program Implemen

Reporting (cont):

• Identify legislative redundancies and ove

national ocean policy positions needed to gaps, and address new and emerging issCommission recommendations. 

• Review and assess the progress of indiv

programs in achieving national ocean go

• Identify and participate in resolution of in

disputes. 

• Institute immediate and vastly improved 

agencies with ocean and coastal responsCommission recommendations. 
April 2-3, 2003

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NOC Functions

• Policy Formulation, Program Implemen

Reporting (cont):

• Guide the development and implementat

ocean research plan (specific to policy pfrom the researchers and policy makers tcommittee on ocean research. 

• Guide the development and implementat

ocean data and information managemenCommission recommendations. 

• Create and oversee the work of task grou

specific ocean and coastal problems reqlevel attention within specified timeframe

• Provide a vehicle for harmonizing the act

state agencies in the nation’s oceans and development of the planning process in sCommission’s recommendations on secocoastal management. 
April 2-3, 2003

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NOC Functions

• Policy Formulation, Program Implemen

Reporting (cont):

• Oversee the development and implemen

program for the assessment of the state provide critical goods and services. 

• Provide, in consultation with the Departm

leadership in international marine affairs effective implementation of international oceans and coasts. 

• Determine proper ecosystem planning an

for regional ocean governance, including appropriate scientific criteria for establishplanning and management units.

• Periodically report on the state of the nat

coasts and of their uses, providing an asin the implementation of the national oce
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

NOC Functions

• Budget Process:

• The Assistant to the President, in consul

of OMB and the NOC, shall identify progsignificantly to the national policy for oceresources and shall provide advice to the programs. 

• The Assistant to the President shall prov

agencies and to the Director of OMB on funding in the agencies for ocean and coactivities. 
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

NOC Functions

• Development of a Regional Framework 

(State/Territorial/Local/Tribal Levels):

• Work closely with the appropriate state, t

and other interested entities (e.g. non-gobusiness organizations) to develop a plaimproved system of ocean and coastal ginclude the creation of regional ocean coregional ocean councils in conjunction wdevelop guidance for regional ecosystem It is anticipated these plans will address state/regional coordination, pollution redudevelopment, and research priorities.

• NOC will stimulate the creation of region

pilot basis where state, territorial, local, areceptive to such projects. 

• NOC should foster regional implementat
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Regional Ocean and Coastal G

• Guidance to the National Ocean Counc

• The nation move toward a coordinated a

approach to the management of multiple resources and uses at the regional and nregional ocean and coastal approach meactions should reflect regional goals, connational goals that recognize the importaecosystems in providing essential goods 

• As a first step in the development of impr

governance, federal agencies coordinate decision making processes at the regionreduce duplication of efforts and prevent one another.
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Regional Ocean and Coastal G

• Guidance to the National Ocean Counc

– Issues of regional concern need to be more 

Issues of regional concern should be identifregion basis and each region should take a addressing these issues. Each regional ocecarry out functions such as:

• Facilitate the resolution of problems arisi

interagency coordination and competing coastal resources, including conservation 

• Stimulate characterization and delineatio

determine seaward, lateral and inland bonames and description of key areas and development of accurate maps of the reg

• Build awareness of ocean issues in the r

information and educational outreach pro
April 2-3, 2003

This is a pre-decisional document outlining draft policy options under consideration by the Commission. The la

discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Regional Ocean and Coastal G

• Guidance to the National Ocean Counc

– Issues of regional concern need to be more 

Issues of regional concern should be identifregion basis and each region should take a addressing these issues. Each regional ocecarry out functions such as (cont):

• Facilitate coastal and ocean science and 

develop research priorities and plans; promanagement for the region

• Apply ecosystem-based principles estab

support of management agencies that arregion; encourage and facilitate use of suexisting management authorities

• Facilitate the integration of regional plans 

management, living marine resources, pononliving marine resources, conservationresearch needs, including social science
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Regional Ocean and Coastal G

• Guidance to the National Ocean Counc

– The enhancement of the capacity to coordin

of government and stakeholder and citizen gand function of these councils would vary deneeds. The functions of these councils coul

• The Regional Ocean Councils may organ

to represent particular focus areas for plawould be set up as needed to discuss anissues, or be established as permanent sbodies may provide the charter for the pawork, provide staff support, and receive arecommendations. Authoritative action wresponsibility of the official federal, state, agencies or other entities as required by may include: 
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Regional Ocean and Coastal G

• Guidance to the National Ocean Counc

– The panels may include: 

– Offshore multiple-use planning panel– Federal agency panel– Fishery management panel – Coastal management panel– Marine science panel– Air and water quality panel – Watershed planning panel
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Regional Ocean and Coastal G

• The Commission does not intend that th

Ocean Councils would supplant existing such as Regional Fishery Management elements of state and local governmentCommission also believes that it is very these regional coordinating bodies effegoals of ecosystem-based managemencoordination to bear on decision-makin

• Facilitate the coordination of the expen

order to achieve regional goals and obj

• The federal government should create, 

auspices of each Regional Ocean CounManagement Information Program.
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Regional Ocean and Coastal G

• Develop regional goals and performanc

measures for the state controlled coastconjunction with state authorities; to the harmonize federal, state/local and tribawithin the state-controlled coastal zone

• Provide coordinated regional input to fe

use in the development of comprehensmanagement of federal lands and wate
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Federal Agency Reorgan

• The Commission believes that consolid

warranted.

• The Commission has looked at numero

consolidation. These recommendations Commissioners, testimony before the Cother experts.

• The Commission believes it is a functio

have an ongoing responsibility to look fopportunities of federal agencies.
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Federal Agency Reorgan

• We think that in looking at these opport

should be guided by principles, such as

– Consolidate functions not just structu– Bring together pieces of a common p– Look for leverage such that the whol

the sum of its parts

– Achieve efficiency in operations and – Link the systems related to atmosph

ocean for policy and science

– Enhance the linkage between scienc

programs
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Federal Agency Reorgan

• We believe the following functions have 

priority for consolidation, such as:

– Habitat protection and restoration– Protected species programs– Nonpoint source pollution– Fishery management– Watershed management– Data management systems
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Offshore Oil and Ga

• Establish a program under which some 

revenues that the federal government rleasing and extraction of non-renewablresources is invested in the conservatioocean and coastal resources through gstates and an allocation at the national advancement of marine science efforts conservation. Those coastal states that producing states should receive a largeportion to address the environmental animpacts of energy activity in adjacent w

• Increase and coordinate funding for env

studies related to offshore oil and gas d
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Offshore Oil and Ga

• Work with state and environmental agencies 

evaluate the risk to the marine environment poffshore and onshore infrastructure in the Gurecommended by the National Academy of SSea III).

• Increase the research and development inve

and engineering needed to determine whethecan be part of the solution for the nation’s lonneeds. 

• The establishment of an ocean observing sys

governmental cooperative partnership with thindustry that uses the industry’s existing reseinfrastructure of pipelines, platforms, and vesallows the transfer of non-proprietary data to academic institutions while protecting the secdata and meeting other safety, environmentaconcerns. 
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Existing and Emerging U

• The federal offshore waters of the Unite

in public trust. These areas and their rebe managed for multiple use and public appropriate environmental protection. Tissues identified by the Commission thaaddressed by Congress and the Nationin developing a formal regime:

– Bioprospecting– Offshore aquaculture– Offshore renewable energy– Undersea telecommunication cables– Desalination– Submerged cultural resources– Other marine minerals
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Existing and Emerging U

• Until Congress establishes a formal reg

uses or uses for which there is no curreregime, the National Ocean Council wilinterim lead agency to undertake prelimassessment, and monitoring of these u

• Congress should ensure that all new us

areas or uses for which there is either nmanagement regime are assigned to anpublic agency to ensure full considerativalues and benefits in their use. Speciashould be given to issues of the proper and environmental consideration. 
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Coastal Manageme

The Commission believes that consistent with based management we should assure the prosustainable use of the coastal zone.• The National Ocean Council should coo

federal agencies, state, territorial, localgovernments the development of a natimanagement policy. This policy should coastal goals and objectives and ensurenvironmental and economic needs of balanced in a sustainable manner.
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Coastal Manageme

• As one part of this national coastal man

the Coastal Zone Management Act shoto include the following: 

– Incorporate assessment and planning functi

within state coastal management programs. 

– Authorize a coastal and estuarine land prote

address the need for the protection of consethe preservation of critical coastal areas tha(See, S. 2608, Coastal and Estuarine Land 

– Incorporate performance measures for state 

programs developed by the National Ocean Ocean Councils. 

– Strengthen ocean planning and managemen

coastal states. 

– Enhance the states’ abilities to do more effe

growth management planning within the coaconsideration of cumulative effects.
April 2-3, 2003

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discussion in open public session and may have been modified. For details, refer to the meetin

Coastal Manageme

• Other aspects of a national coastal man

should address:

– The interaction of watershed management a

management

– Specific issues related to shoreline and sed

coastal hazards, and coastal habitat restora

– The impacts of federal infrastructure investm

areas