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

also produce revenues in time, and these should be added to the Fund. Establishment of,and distributions from, the Ocean Policy Trust Fund should be kept separate from anydecisions about whether a particular offshore activity should be authorized and permitted.Approximately $5 billion is generated annually from OCS oil and gas revenues.Protecting the three programs noted above would remove about $1 billion from that total.Thus, some $4 billion would remain available for the Ocean Policy Trust Fund each yearunder current projections. It is not possible to estimate the level of revenue that mightaccompany emerging activities in federal waters, nor to predict when this income couldbegin to flow, but the amounts may be significant in years to come.Trust Fund monies should be used to support the additional research, education, andmanagement responsibilities recommended for federal and state agencies and other appropriatecoastal authorities, consistent with a coordinated and comprehensive nationalocean policy. Such funds would be used to supplement—not replace—existing appropriationsfor ocean and coastal programs, and to fund new or expanded duties.Call to ActionThis report reflects the input of hundreds of Americans from across the nation, testimonyfrom many of the world’s leading experts, and months of deliberation. The recommendationscontained within can set the course toward a future in which our oceans, coasts, andGreat Lakes are healthy, enjoyed, and treasured by all people, and America’s marineresources are restored and sustained for generations to come.The opportunity is here and the time to act is now. A new national ocean policy canbe implemented that balances ocean use with sustainability, is based on sound science andsupported by excellent education, and is overseen by a coordinated system of governancewith strong leadership at national and regional levels. It will take great political will,significant fiscal investment, and strong public support, but in the long run all of Americawill benefit from these changes.26 A N O CEAN B LUEPRINT FOR THE 21ST C ENTURY