U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy - Joint Ocean Commission Initiative

OTA occupied a unique role among the congressional information agencies. Althoughthe General Accounting Office evaluates ongoing government programs and theCongressional Research Service provides congressional members and staff with informationon legislative topics, OTA’s assignments covered a broad range of technical areas and its studieswere comprehensive, serving as an important congressional resource for crafting publicpolicy. OTA’s work influenced many pieces of legislation and contributed to improved communicationbetween policy makers and the scientific, technical, and business communities.Congress’s need for comprehensive scientific and technical information is as strongtoday as it has ever been, if not stronger. In particular, many emerging ocean and coastalactivities will require comprehensive analyses to ensure that new legislation is based onthe best information possible.Recommendation 25–8Congress should re-establish an Office of Technology Assessment to provide it with objectiveand authoritative analyses of complex scientific and technical issues.References1 National Research Council. Abrupt Climate Change: Inevitable Surprises. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.2 Social Science Review Panel. Social Science Research within NOAA: Review and Recommendations. Washington, DC:National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2003.3 National Marine Protected Areas Center. “Social Science Research Strategy for Marine Protected Areas.” Internaldraft. Silver Spring, MD, June 11, 2003.4 The Interagency National Survey Consortium. National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE), 2000.Silver Spring, MD: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, May 2001.5 National Sea Grant College Program. NOAA Sea Grant Strategic Plan for FY 2003–2008 and Beyond: Science forSustainability in the 21st Century. Silver Spring, MD: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,November 4, 2003.6 Cruickshank, M.J., and S.M. Masutani. “Methane Hydrate Research and Development.” Sea Technology (August 1999):69–74.7 U.S. <strong>Commission</strong> on Marine Science, Engineering and Resources. Our Nation and the Sea: A Plan for National Action.Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1969.8 National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere. The Need for a National Plan of Scientific Exploration forthe Exclusive Economic Zone. Washington, DC, 1986.9 President’s Panel for Ocean Exploration. Discovering Earth’s Final Frontier: A U.S. Strategy for Ocean Exploration.Washington, DC: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2000.10 National Research Council. Exploration of the Seas: Voyage into the Unknown. Washington, DC: National AcademyPress, 2003.11 Office of Coast Survey. National Survey Plan. Sliver Spring, MD: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,November 2000.12 Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center. The Compilation and Analysis of Data Relevant toa U.S. Claim under United Nations Law of the Sea Article 76. Durham, NH: University of New Hampshire, 2002.13 National Research Council. A Geospatial Framework for the Coastal Zone: National Needs for Coastal Mapping andCharting. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2004.392 A N O CEAN B LUEPRINT FOR THE 21ST C ENTURY