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Week Ending June 19, 2009

Presidential Memorandum for heads of executive agencies and departments regarding the national policy for oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes.

The Memo notes the resources and benefits that oceans and lakes provide the US to include energy, transportation, recreation and tourism but also notes that those resources are subject to substantial pressures and face significant environmental challenges.

To solve problems present and future the US needs to act within a unifying framework under a clear national policy including comprehensive, ecosystem-based, framework for the long term conservation and use of the resources.

The President establishes the Interagency Ocean Policy task Force to be lead by the chair of the Council on Environmental Policy and composed of senior level federal executives.

The task force has 90 days to develop recommendations to include a policy ensuring protection, maintenance and restoration of ocean, coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems and resources. The recommendations must also enhance the sustainability of those resources, preserve maritime heritage, provide adaptive management, and coordinate with national security and foreign policy interests.

The task force should review government policy to ensure collaboration across jurisdictional lines. Coordination with the National Security Council and Homeland Security Council is required. A set of objectives will be identified.

In 180 days the task force is charged with developing, with appropriate public input, a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning that is a comprehensive, integrated ecosystem approach involving conservation, economic activity, user conflict and sustainable uses of the ocean, coast and Great Lakes resources.

The task force will terminate upon completion of its duties.

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