[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17456]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE U.S. COMMISSION ON OCEAN POLICY

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise to note the April 20th release of 
the Preliminary Report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. This 
comprehensive report, the first of its kind in 35 years, lays out an 
ocean blueprint for the 21st century for implementation by the Congress 
and the Administration. The Ocean Commission, led by former Chief of 
Naval Operations and Secretary of Energy, Admiral James D. Watkins, USN 
(Ret.), is to be congratulated for its diligence and dedication to its 
mandate to make recommendations for a comprehensive and coordinated 
national ocean policy for the United States.
  The Commonwealth of Virginia has always had a strong connection to 
the ocean. From the arrival of settlers in Jamestown in the early 
1600's, to the current day when the ports of Norfolk, Portsmouth and 
Newport News play a vital role in our Nation's economy and security, 
Virginia has always depended on the oceans. While the Commonwealth has 
long recognized the importance of the oceans, one of the most valuable 
contributions of the Ocean Commission's report is its finding that 
oceans and their resources are important to all States, and that we all 
have a role to play in their protection and management.
  The Ocean Commission's preliminary report represents the culmination 
of 2\1/2\ years of work, including 15 public meetings around the 
country, 17 site visits to gather more detailed information, and input 
from 445 witnesses, resulting in nearly 1,900 pages of testimony. The 
report is over 400 pages long and contains almost 200 recommendations 
designed to improve the Federal governance structure, enhance and 
increase ocean science and research, improve coastal water quality, 
sustain our Nation's fisheries, and improve the stewardship of our 
oceans through an expanded education and outreach program.
  An overarching theme of the report is the need at the Federal, 
regional and State levels to move toward an ecosystem-based management 
approach that acknowledges the complexities of both ecosystems and 
human needs. This approach recognizes the relationships among all 
ecosystem components and requires fundamental changes in governance and 
greatly improved science and education. Through its active 
participation in the Chesapeake Bay Program, Virginia understands the 
many advantages to be gained by developing regional, ecosystem-based 
approaches to address the complex inter-relationships of activities in 
many States that impact the Bay.
  As the former Chief of Naval Operations under President Reagan, 
Admiral Watkins well knows the role oceans have played in protecting 
United States national security interests. The Ocean Commission's 
preliminary report, while not focused primarily on national security 
issues, contains recommendations on ports and marine transportation, 
vessel operations, increased ocean research and exploration, improved 
management of our ocean resources, and accession to the United Nations 
Convention on the Law of the Sea--all of which will contribute to our 
Nation's security and future well-being.
  As the Commission finalizes its report I look forward to working 
together with the administration and my associates in this body and in 
the House as we take advantage of the opportunity presented by the work 
of the Ocean Commission to implement a new vision for the future of our 
Nation's oceans.

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