National Oceans Policy Council releases draft plan

By Marleanna Hall

The National Ocean Council (NOC) released the Draft National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan for public comment.

The plan lists a number of action items to be addressed, many of which will apply to coastal and marine spatial planning goals. Many questions remain as to funding for implementation of the 53 action items and details as to how certain proposed activities will be carried out.

In a February 1 announcement, the NOC said it will include Regional Fishery Management Councils (RFMC), such as the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, in the proposed Regional Planning Bodies. However, the seat will be limited to federal, state, tribal, or local government RFMC voting members, excluding the private sector members.

RDC and others have repeatedly voiced this request in previous letters and testimony. Initial comments of the draft plan include praise by environmental NGOs, while business groups worry there will be further hurdles to clear for continued and future access to ocean resources. The draft plan is open to public comment until February 27, 2012.

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