[Note: The following document contains the broad ocean policy elements that the U.S. Commission on

Ocean Policy has identified as essential to a sound national ocean policy. This document serves as a

framework for the Commission’s inquiry and eventual development of recommendations that it will 

include in its final report. It should be emphasized that this document is a work in progress and part of

an iterative process that will be constantly revisited as the Commission’s work progresses.]

DRAFT 

Developing a National Policy for Our Ocean Future 

The Federal government is responsible to this and succeeding generations of U.S. citizens 

and residents for leadership in the administration of approximately 3.4 million square 

miles of ocean area and over 95,000 miles of coastline. 

When the U.S. Congress passed and the President signed the Oceans Act of 2000, the 

nation’s leaders articulated the importance of a healthy and productive ocean and coastal 

domain to the nation and the world. To address issues related to national ocean policy, 

Congress established the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. The Commission is charged 

with investigating a range of ocean related issues and recommending a coordinated and 

comprehensive national ocean policy. 

Congress and the President have stated why we need a comprehensive national ocean 

policy. It is the Commission’s job to state what that policy should be and how to make it 

happen. 

The Commission believes harmonized U.S. ocean and coastal policies should guide the 

public and private sectors and should promote a stewardship ethic. These policies and 

their related practices should strive to balance responsible development with sound 

conservation of ocean and coastal resources and explicitly recognize the interaction with 

atmospheric and watershed conditions. 

In addition, the Commission believes the following elements are essential to developing a 

robust national ocean policy. 

National Ocean Policy Elements DRAFT*April 17-18, 2002* DRAFT 1 
National Ocean Policy Elements DRAFT*April 17-18, 2002* DRAFT 2 

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A coordinated and comprehensive framework that defines the appropriate role for 

all levels of government, the private sector, and citizens and residents in managing 

ocean and coastal resources. 

Sustainable use of ocean resources in a manner that adequately protects fragile and 

unique coastal and marine areas. 

Public education in marine affairs and sciences that raises awareness of the 

nation’s wealth of coastal and ocean resources, and the connection between the 

atmosphere and the ocean, and also identifies the potential benefits and costs inherent 

in their use, and explains the role of governments and citizens and residents as ocean 

stewards. 

Technical knowledge of the marine realm, including information on the interaction 

between the atmosphere and the ocean, on ocean features, dynamics, and ecosystems 

that is used to improve sustainable and beneficial use and conservation of marine 

resources. 

Ongoing monitoring that leads to adaptive management of our ocean resources. 

Public safety and security from natural and man-made hazards and threats along the 

nation's coasts and in U.S. ports, harbors, and waterways. 

Ample opportunities for people to enjoy and benefit from the marine environment, 

including its natural amenities, aesthetic beauty, and historic and cultural resources, 

for inspiration and renewal as well as for recreational and educational pursuits. 

U.S. commitment to global marine affairs through development and exchange of 

expertise with other nations with regard to ocean and coastal governance, 

stewardship, education, science, and exploration. 

Investment in ocean-based commerce, marine technology development, resource 

protection and use, environmental restoration, recreation, and expansion of marine 

knowledge by both the public and private sectors for the benefit of the nation and the 

world. 

A well-designed management system that ensures the oversight and sustained 

attention to the implementation of all the elements of the national ocean policy.