Today, the White House released a Report on Implementation of the National Ocean Policy. Established by President Obama in 2010, the National Ocean Policy creates a framework for ensuring the long-term health and productivity of our marine ecosystems and communities. In 2013, after extensive input from stakeholders, businesses, scientists and the public, the National Ocean Council released the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan, a roadmap for coordinated, science-based action to manage the many different uses of and resources provided by the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. Today’s report reflects on the Policy’s accomplishments to date.

Following is a statement from Anne Merwin, Director of Ocean Conservancy’s Smart Ocean Planning Program:

“The accomplishments of the National Ocean Policy reflect the tremendous momentum we’ve seen from the Administration to address the most pressing issues facing our ocean and coastal communities. Businesses as diverse as shipping and maritime, commercial fishing, recreation, and conservation groups have all expressed their strong support for smart management of our ocean, because of the real, practical, and local benefits they are seeing thanks to this important work.”

Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.