National Ocean Policy

President Obama established the National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes by Executive Order on July 19, 2010. The National Ocean Policy (Policy) highlights our responsibility to improve and maintain the health of the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes and recognizes the importance of working with States, tribes, and other partners to tackle key challenges through common sense, science-based solutions. This book discusses the Policy which aims to ensure that our Valuable Ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources will continue to provide a wealth of benefits that support the Nation''s well-being, safety, and prosperity. Fundamentally, the National Ocean Policy coordinates, through establishment of the National Ocean Council, the ocean-related activities of Federal agencies to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness, with a focus on reduced bureaucracy, improved coordination and integration, and fiscal responsibility. The Policy helps coordinate the implementation of existing regulations and authorities by all Federal agencies in the interest of more efficient decision-making. This National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan (Plan) provides clear direction to Federal agencies and increased specificity to partners and stakeholders. The Plan reflects a commitment to develop and apply the latest science and information, conduct the business of government more efficiently, and collaborate more effectively with State, tribal, and local authorities, marine industries, and other stakeholders. This Plan describes specific actions that translate the goals of the National Ocean Policy into on-the-ground change to address key challenges, streamline Federal operations, save taxpayer dollars, and promote economic growth.