"By setting forth a series of ocean related recommendations, the Administration is creating the appearance of taking a step in the right direction in assessing and in overhauling our ocean activities and policies. While I applaud the notion of establishing an executive level ocean council, I am concerned that this order is so lacking in detail that it is hard to determine if this will mean greater protection for ocean resources. Clearly, the Administration has significant work to do in reaching out to Congress to flesh out the details of what the national ocean policy should be for the betterment of the resource and the American public.

     Our oceans need a marathon’s worth of steps to overcome decades of misuse  and neglect. As the Congress convenes next year, and the House Resources Committee assumes its duty to study these recommendations and legislative proposals, I will be watching this process in developing a new and effective ocean policy to ensure that it does not become another bureaucratic exercise to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic.

     Like an empty trawl, our over-stressed oceans are now a hollow promise for coastal communities and economies that depend on a healthy ocean environment. We need to take into account both scientific concerns and the economic impact, particularly for small operation fishermen, of our decisions as I fear that future generations will not have the opportunity to enjoy the recreational, economic, and majestic aspects of our oceans.