Ocean Policy Report

[GordMay]

BoatU.S. rallies members on ocean policy

BoatU.S. is encouraging its membership to speak out on the recent U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy report that calls for protective measures the organization says could directly impact recreational boating.

A dozen broad, federal government actions labeled “critical” were outlined in the report, six of which, BoatU.S. says, would “directly affect” recreational boating.

The six are: Establish a national ocean council in the executive office of the president; create a non-federal presidential council of advisory on ocean policy; strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; develop a flexible, voluntary process for creating regional ocean councils; reform fisheries management; and establish an ocean policy trust fund, using revenue from offshore energy development to pay for implementing recommendations.

BoatU.S. is urging boaters to contact their state governors by May 21 to “let them know that recreational boating is an important lifestyle that must be taken into account.” Following a full analysis of the report, BoatU.S. said, it will file comments on behalf of its 565,000 members.

“Whether these proposals are adopted or not depends on how well boaters and the state and local organizations that represent them take advantage of this opportunity to get involved,” Ryck Lydecker, BoatU.S. associate director of federal affairs, said in a statement.

A link to the full copy of the report is available by visiting http://oceancommission.gov/documents...t/welcome.html or
www.BoatUS.com . Boaters can send comments to BoatU.S. at the following e-mail address: GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com .