An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century - California Ocean ...

One pervasive problem for stateand local managers is lack of sufficient,reliable information on whichto base decisions. The Commissionrecommends that governors within aregion identify an appropriate organizationto create a regional oceaninformation program. Such programswill identify user-driven regionalpriorities for research, data, and science-basedinformation products andhelp meet those needs by enhancingexisting resources and promotingeducation, training, and outreach insupport of improved ocean andcoastal management.Figure ES.4 Coordination Is Essential in Busy Offshore WatersMassachusettsRhodeIslandCoordinated Governanceof Offshore WatersThe nation’s vast offshore ocean areasare becoming an increasingly appealingplace to pursue economic activities(Figure ES.4). Well-establishedinstitutional frameworks exist forlongstanding ocean uses, such asfishing and energy extraction;however, authorities governing newactivities, such as the placement ofwind farms or aquaculture facilities,need to be clarified. A comprehensiveoffshore management regime isneeded that enables us to realize theocean’s potential while safeguardinghuman and ecosystem health, minimizingconflicts among users, andfulfilling the government’s obligationto manage the sea in a way that maximizeslong-term benefits for all thenation’s citizens.The National Ocean Council,supported by congressional actionwhere necessary, should ensure thateach current or foreseeable activityin federal waters is administered by alead federal agency. Well-developed■ Wind farm proposals■ Shipping lanes, fairways, andprecautionary areas■ Hazardous areas—dumping areas;toxic wastes; unexploded ordnance,torpedos, depth charges, etc.Like many offshore areas of the nation, the waters off a small portion of theNew England coast are home to a number of existing and proposed activities.In addition to the uses shown above, many offshore areas also contain dredgingprojects, marine protected areas, fishery closures, recreational activities, artificialreefs, and in certain coastal regions, oil and gas development. User conflicts canand do arise when incompatible activities take place in the same area. Acomprehensive offshore management regime is needed for the balancedcoordination of all offshore uses.Source: Minerals Management Service, Washington, DC.laws or authorities that cover existing programs would not be supplanted, but thelead agency would be expected to continue and enhance coordination among all otherinvolved federal partners. For emerging ocean activities whose management is ill defined,dispersed, or essentially non-existent, the National Ocean Council and Congress, workingwith affected stakeholders, should ensure that the lead agency provides strong coordination,while working toward a more comprehensive governance structure.■ State Waters (3 nautical miles)■ National Marine SanctuaryTelecommunications cables—activeTelecommunicationscables—inactiveE XECUTIVE S UMMARY9