and further calls for better assessment of
the value of recreational uses of ocean and
coastal waters, economically and culturally.
The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative
came together in 2005 following comple-
tion of studies by the private Pew Oceans
Commission and the presidentially appointed
U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. Eight
commissioners from both bodies now
serve on the joint panel headed by William
Ruckelshaus, first administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency, and for-
mer California Congressman Norman Mineta.
calling for including the public in planning
processes,” said BoatU.S. Executive Vice
President Margaret Podlich. Marine spatial
planning is one of nine ocean policy priorities outlined in an executive order signed by
President Obama in June 2010. The order
created a National Ocean Policy Council
in the White House and Podlich said the
focus now is shifting to state and regional
planning for ocean uses. “Marine spatial
planning should accommodate the widest
variety of activities, local needs, and economic opportunities. Public access to the
water is key,” Podlich added. “That’s why
boaters must stay informed, get organized
at the grassroots level, and be ready to provide significant input as the marine-planning
councils come into being and undertake
these tasks.” Boaters and anglers can stay
informed on access issues by regularly visiting
www.BoatUS.com/gov. — R.L.
The quiet shoreline on San Miguel
Island, Point Bennett, Channel
Islands, California.
TWO WOMEN’S EVENTS: WOMEN’S SAILING CONVENTION, CORONA DEL MAR, CA. FEB 4: SEE WWW.SCYA.ORG.
DIESEL ENGINE WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN, MAR 10-11, MIDDLEBORO, MA: WWW. WOMENSAILING.ORG
