PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
By John Brandt
Legislation Representative
Marine Aquarium Societies of North America
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP) presented a preliminary report today at the meeting of The United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) announcing that the Commission will recommend to Congress that the International trade in marine ornamental species be regulated.
The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy will publish its report in two stages. Notification of the release of the draft report will appear in the Federal Register http://www.access.gpo.gov, as well as the USCOP website http://www.oceancommission.gov. This report will be made available to Governors and interested stakeholders early in 2004 for review and public comment. After the deadline for comment the report will be finalized by USCOP and presented to the President and Congress for the purpose of creating public policy.
Dr. Paul Sandifer, Commissioner for USCOP, revealed a list of recommended actions to be presented to Congress to preserve and protect oceans and coral reefs. One recommendation is to adopt legislation ensuring that any marine food and ornamental species imported to the United States be collected only by sustainable means. No further details were available at the time.
As mandated by the Oceans Act 2000 (P.L. 106-256), the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy will establish findings and make final recommendations to the President and Congress for a coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy. The new policy will address a broad range of issues, from ocean governance to the stewardship of marine resources and pollution prevention to enhancing and supporting marine science, commerce and transportation.
© Marine Aquarium Societies of North America
