from Bob Zale.

All,

You have seen much info on the national ocean policy that I have sent.  Here is some info from the conference call the National Ocean Policy Coalition had last week.  I was on this call and provided info and suggestions and learned more of the problems facing us if the national ocean policy continues.  When you go to the sites listed in the below paragraph you will learn more.  Check the members of the joint ocean commission initiative and see who is pushing this and who we are up against.  The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the New England Fishery Management Council, and the Pacific Northwest are all tuned in to supporting the national ocean policy.  Fishermen, boaters, all who use and enjoy our natural marine resources better get involved and now if the nop is to be curtailed.  Let your respective managing bodies know you do not support the nop.  You need to tell your councils and the asmfc to back off support and listen to the stakeholders who will be most affected.  The nop train is moving at light speed while no one is watching.  Don’t wait till it is too late.

Bob

At a recent meeting held by the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative featuring discussion about the National Ocean Policy, concerns were expressed about funding levels and maintaining the policy’s viability (most attendees were government officials or NGO rep’s.).  Questions were raised about the level of progress thus far, and NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco raised the possibility of not leading policy implementation with Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning, but instead focusing on area of common ground such as data collection and standards.  It was noted that there was a lot of energy for the process in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest, as opposed to other regions in the country, and that perhaps there should be a focus on areas that want to engage in the process rather than implementing it nationwide.  The existing Northeast Regional Ocean Council may hold a marine spatial planning workshop in March, and they are reportedly eager to move forward with implementation.

Capt Bob Zales, II