Ocean Conservancy Commends Obama Administration on Making Ocean Protection a National Priority

Creation of interagency oceans task force to set a new agenda for our ocean, one that balances industry uses and conservation needs for our shared ocean future

Media Contact: Kelly Ricaurte

June 12, 2009

Washington, DC Today, the Obama administration made a bold move to bring ocean protection to the forefront of national policy priorities. A new task force will review recommendations for ocean protection and national policy from the US Commission on Ocean Policy and Pew Oceans Commission. Specifically, the task force will be charged with recommending a framework for coastal and marine spatial planning. A major focus on the Great Lakes is also included.

Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of Ocean Conservancy, issued the following statement:

"The ocean is our life support system, providing much of the air we breathe, food we eat and regulating our climate. Ocean protection is a national priority, and today's bold action to establish a task force and act upon a new ocean agenda should set us on a stronger course for the health of the ocean and the planet.

A healthy ocean is critical for a healthy economy. We have the tools to get there and now we have the political will to change the way we manage our ocean as a tidal wave of proposed ocean uses is about to break. It is time to take a fresh look at how we care for our ocean balancing industry uses and conservation through marine spatial planning is an important tool to help rebuild the health of our ocean and our coastal economy," concluded Spruill.

Learn more: Read the White House Presidential Proclamation: National Oceans Month and Memorandum regarding national policy for the oceans.