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

public access, vibrant economies, safe bustling harbors and ports, adequate roads andservices, and special protection for sensitive habitats. Beach closings, toxic algal blooms,proliferation of invasive species, and vanishing native species would be rare. Better landuse planning and improved predictions of severe weather and other natural hazards wouldsave lives and money.In the desirable future, management of the oceans and coasts would follow ecosystemboundaries, looking at interactions among all elements of the system, rather than addressingisolated areas or problems. In the face of scientific uncertainty, managers would balancecompeting considerations and proceed with caution. Ocean governance would be effective,participatory, and well coordinated among government agencies, the private sector,and the public.An improved ocean governance framework would recognize the critical importanceof good information and provide strong support for physical, biological, social, and economicresearch. Investments would be made in the tools and technologies needed to conductthis research: ample, well-equipped surface and underwater research vessels; reliable,sustained satellites; state-of-the-art computing facilities; and innovative sensors that withstandharsh ocean conditions. A widespread network of observing and monitoring stationswould provide data for research, planning, marine operations, timely forecasts, and periodicassessments. Scientific findings and observations would be translated into practicalinformation, maps, and products used by decision makers and the public.Better education would be a key element of the desirable future, with the United Statesonce again joining the top ranks in math, science, and technology achievement. An ample,well-trained, and motivated workforce would be available to study the oceans, set wisepolicies, apply technological advances, engineer new solutions, and teach the public aboutthe value and beauty of the oceans and coasts throughout their lives. As a result of thislifelong education, people would understand the links among the sea, land, air, and humanactivities, and would be better stewards of the nation’s resources.Finally, the United States would be a leader and full partner globally, sharing its science,engineering, technology, and policy expertise, particularly with developing countries, tofacilitate the achievement of sustainable ocean management on a global level.The Commission believes this vision is practical and achievable.Building Ocean Policy on Sound Guiding PrinciplesTo achieve the vision, national ocean policy should be guided by a set of overarching principles.Although existing ocean policies address specific issues or resources with varyingdegrees of success, there are no broad principles in place to guide the development andimplementation of new policies, provide consistency among the universe of different policies,and assess the effectiveness of any particular policy. The fundamental principles thatshould guide ocean policy include the following:• Sustainability: Ocean policy should be designed to meet the needs of the present generationwithout compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.• Stewardship: The principle of stewardship applies both to the government and toevery citizen. The U.S. government holds ocean and coastal resources in the publictrust—a special responsibility that necessitates balancing different uses of thoseresources for the continued benefit of all Americans. Just as important, every memberof the public should recognize the value of the oceans and coasts, supporting appropriatepolicies and acting responsibly while minimizing negative environmental impacts.• Ocean–Land–Atmosphere Connections: Ocean policies should be based on therecognition that the oceans, land, and atmosphere are inextricably intertwined andthat actions that affect one Earth system component are likely to affect another.C HAPTER 3: SETTING THE N ATION’ S S IGHTS61