05-17-2004, 05:34 PM
Anglers Urged To Speak Out On Federal Ocean Policy
ALEXANDRIA, VA--The 16-member U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy recently issued a report calling for the United States to make a dozen broad actions, six of which would directly affect recreational boating. BoatU.S. is urging boaters nationwide to act now so boating's "voice" will be heard.
The proposed actions include establishing a National Ocean Council in the Executive Office of the President: BoatU.S. views this as a positive step that can help ensure balanced use of ocean and coastal waters and resources.
Create a non-federal Presidential Council of Advisors on Ocean Policy: BoatU.S. believes that recreational boating should be represented on the council.
Strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: BoatU.S. believes that this agency provides critical services to recreational boaters such as charting, marine weather, fisheries management and research, and it must have more resources to do the job.
Develop a flexible, voluntary process for creating regional ocean councils: BoatU.S. believes such councils could have far-reaching affects on issues such as boating access and marina development.
Reform fisheries management: BoatU.S. believes the Regional Fishery Management Council system should be improved through more balanced representation among voting council members and that sound science must drive management decisions.
Establish an Ocean Policy Trust Fund (using revenue from offshore energy development to pay for implementing recommendations): BoatU.S. believes that monies derived from the oceans should be returned to programs that support sustainable public use and enjoyment of our waters.
These proposals are among 198 detailed recommendations to the President and Congress to improve marine resource management, at least two dozen of which may directly affect recreational boating and sport fishing, including Coast Guard missions, coastal land use planning and boating access, fishery research, dredging policy, clean water initiatives and habitat restoration.
"Whether these proposals are adopted or not depends on how well boaters and the state and local organizations that represent them take advantage of this opportunity to get involved," said BoatU.S. Associate Director of Federal Affairs Ryck Lydecker.
"Many of the recommendations focus on 'living resources' meaning fish and other animals in ocean and coastal waters that are of concern to anglers," Lydecker added. "But everything from the management of inland waterways to international treaties is now going to be on the table."
Following a full analysis of the draft report, BoatU.S. will file comments on behalf of its 565,000 members. However, BoatU.S. encourages boaters in every state to review the commission's recommendations and provide comments to their respective governors before the May 21, 2004 deadline. Boaters can go to [url "http://www.boatus.com/"][#0000ff]www.BoatUS.com[/#0000ff][/url] for a link to the full Commission report (go to BoatU.S. Magazine and click on the article "Report Card For The Deep"). Send copies of your comments to: [url "mailto:GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com"][#0000ff]GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com[/#0000ff][/url]
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ALEXANDRIA, VA--The 16-member U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy recently issued a report calling for the United States to make a dozen broad actions, six of which would directly affect recreational boating. BoatU.S. is urging boaters nationwide to act now so boating's "voice" will be heard.
The proposed actions include establishing a National Ocean Council in the Executive Office of the President: BoatU.S. views this as a positive step that can help ensure balanced use of ocean and coastal waters and resources.
Create a non-federal Presidential Council of Advisors on Ocean Policy: BoatU.S. believes that recreational boating should be represented on the council.
Strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: BoatU.S. believes that this agency provides critical services to recreational boaters such as charting, marine weather, fisheries management and research, and it must have more resources to do the job.
Develop a flexible, voluntary process for creating regional ocean councils: BoatU.S. believes such councils could have far-reaching affects on issues such as boating access and marina development.
Reform fisheries management: BoatU.S. believes the Regional Fishery Management Council system should be improved through more balanced representation among voting council members and that sound science must drive management decisions.
Establish an Ocean Policy Trust Fund (using revenue from offshore energy development to pay for implementing recommendations): BoatU.S. believes that monies derived from the oceans should be returned to programs that support sustainable public use and enjoyment of our waters.
These proposals are among 198 detailed recommendations to the President and Congress to improve marine resource management, at least two dozen of which may directly affect recreational boating and sport fishing, including Coast Guard missions, coastal land use planning and boating access, fishery research, dredging policy, clean water initiatives and habitat restoration.
"Whether these proposals are adopted or not depends on how well boaters and the state and local organizations that represent them take advantage of this opportunity to get involved," said BoatU.S. Associate Director of Federal Affairs Ryck Lydecker.
"Many of the recommendations focus on 'living resources' meaning fish and other animals in ocean and coastal waters that are of concern to anglers," Lydecker added. "But everything from the management of inland waterways to international treaties is now going to be on the table."
Following a full analysis of the draft report, BoatU.S. will file comments on behalf of its 565,000 members. However, BoatU.S. encourages boaters in every state to review the commission's recommendations and provide comments to their respective governors before the May 21, 2004 deadline. Boaters can go to [url "http://www.boatus.com/"][#0000ff]www.BoatUS.com[/#0000ff][/url] for a link to the full Commission report (go to BoatU.S. Magazine and click on the article "Report Card For The Deep"). Send copies of your comments to: [url "mailto:GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com"][#0000ff]GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com[/#0000ff][/url]
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