President Barack Obama has put together an Ocean Policy Task Force to help develop a National Ocean Policy and a framework for Marine Spatial Planning. The Task Force is currently holding listening sessions around the country to gather public input. This is a great opportunity to express support for ocean conservation - in particular, an Executive Order to protect, maintain, and restore our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. A strong National Ocean Policy will prioritize lasting ecosystem protection, while providing much needed coordination for the 20 agencies and 140 laws that currently govern these resources. Marine Spatial Planning provides an opportunity to plan for all the various existing/emerging uses of the ocean, while ensuring we protect our oceans for future generations. To read the Surfrider Coastal A-Z article on MSP, click here. For an in-depth set of recommendations, click here to view the letter from our friends at NRDC. Chapters and individuals are encouraged to submit written comments through the website of the Ocean Policy Task Force, to do so, click here.
