The historic gathering of world leaders in Washington, D.C., this week to address ocean issues is one in a series of significant recent developments that collectively signify that we may be witnessing a course correction toward a more sustainable ocean future. The Joint Initiative, while recognizing that immense challenges remain, strongly applauds the progress in … Continued
The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative applauds the release of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan for public comment. This plan, along with the Northeast Ocean Plan released on May 25, demonstrates the remarkable progress our nation has made in coordinating efforts among diverse sectors to protect and restore our oceans and coasts. The Joint Initiative has … Continued
The Joint Initiative applauds the release of the draft Northeast Regional Ocean Plan for public comment. The release of this draft plan signals the remarkable progress our nation has made in coordinating efforts among all sectors to protect and restore our oceans and coasts. The Joint Initiative has long advocated for collaborative regional approaches to ocean management … Continued
The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative applauds the recently announced cooperation between the United States and the nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden to better protect and manage a changing Arctic. The six nations pledged to consider the environmental dimensions of economic development and to advance the cause of science-based decision-making in the Arctic. … Continued
Today, the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative (Joint Initiative) will host the Gulf Coast Ocean Leadership Roundtable that brings together leaders in important sectors to identify regional approaches to major ocean challenges, generate creative solutions, and inspire state and local leadership. This Roundtable is part of a series of meetings convened by the Joint Initiative as … Continued
The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative applauds the recently announced joint effort between the U.S. and Canada to better protect and manage a changing Arctic. The agreement addresses issues related to climate change, renewable energy, marine conservation, traditional knowledge and cultural respect in the Arctic region and includes commitments for action from both the Obama and … Continued
In January 2016, the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative (Joint Initiative) hosted the West Coast Ocean Leadership Roundtable that convened leaders in important sectors to identify regional approaches to major ocean challenges, generate creative solutions, and inspire state and local leadership. This Roundtable was the third in a series of four roundtables hosted by the Joint … Continued
The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative applauds Congress and the Obama Administration’s budget deal, which provides much needed funding for programs necessary to protect our nation’s oceans and coasts. For example, the FY2016 omnibus bill provides an overall increase of approximately $317 million for NOAA, an additional $119 million for the National Science Foundation, and over … Continued
The Leadership Council of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative congratulates Bill Ruckelshaus on an extremely well-deserved recognition: being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Download (PDF)
The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative commends our nation’s leaders for their demonstrated commitment to protecting our ocean resources through the series of concrete actions announced at the 2015 Our Ocean Conference in Chile. These actions represent important steps needed to protect marine ecosystems and should be implemented in conjunction with other efforts that address the … Continued