White House working to better coordinate ocean research
More than 20 agencies and 140 federal laws rule the oceans, coasts and Great Lakes.
In 2004, President Bush issued an "Ocean Action Plan." It acknowledged that more than 20 federal agencies have authority over U.S. oceans, coasts, and the Great Lakes, and that they operate under 140 separate federal laws.
Now James Connaughton, chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, is beginning to roll out plans for improving research and coordinating policy. A scientific subcommittee is taking public comments this month on a priority list for marine research, ranging from basic science (how is ocean chemistry changing?) to broad policy issues (what are the cumulative effects of residential development on the seashore?).
In June, the White House will convene a national conference on ocean education to promote academic programs in marine sciences and learning opportunities in ocean recreation.
And later this summer, watch for new rules creating a big marine protected area in Hawaii.