An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century

Fulfilling the directives of the Ocean Act of 2000, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy presented its findings and recommendations for a coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy. In addition to a national ocean policy, the report calls for coordinated efforts among regions to address ocean and coastal needs than span state lines, articulates the need for improved science and research to inform the policies governing the nation’s marine ecosystems, and recommends permanent and sustained funding to support ocean and coastal research and management. The final report was published in September 2004.