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Last week, the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative (includes representatives from both the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Ocean Commission) released their 2nd annual report card assessing performance in implementation of the recommendations made by the two commissions (http://www.jointoceancommission.org/). They praised progress not only by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance but also specifically mentioned the Florida Oceans and Coastal Resources Council as reason for bumping the state efforts from a B- to an A-.

2006 Florida Oceans Day Highlights
Read Press Release (pdf)
Read Op Ed on the 2006 Florida Oceans Day (pdf)


Florida Ocean Alliance Chair David McDonald and Vice Chair Kumar Mahadevan and FDEP Deputy Secretary Mike Sole at 2006 Oceans Day press conference

Florida Ocean Alliance Chair David McDonald and Vice Chair Kumar Mahadevan joined Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Mike Sole at a press conference to celebrate Oceans Day in Tallahassee on April 19th. Over 50 exhibits were displayed in the Capitol to educate legislators and state agency staff about oceans and coastal issues. This year’s Ocean’s Day theme, “Ocean Partners for Florida’s Future,” saluted the work of the Florida Oceans and Coastal Resource Council, which was created by the 2005 Legislature to help manage the state’s coastal and marine resources and to develop an annual Research Plan.


 
Florida Ocean Alliance Honors Ken Pruitt and Nominates Members for New Ocean Council at Harbor Branch Meeting
Read Press Release (pdf)

FOA Board Members present Sen. Ken Pruitt with Leadership Award for Support of Oceans and Coastal Research
(from left to right: David McDonald of Florida Ports Council and Chair of FOA; Jim Murley of FAU CUES and FOA Secretariat; Kumar Mahadevan of Mote Marine Laboratory and FOA Vice Chair; Sen. Ken Pruitt; Dr. Shirley Pomponi of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute)

Florida Releases Ocean and Coastal Value Study
--Study compares coastal and inland economies--

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2006
CONTACT: Niki Pocock, (850) 245-2112

TALLAHASSEE – The Department of Environmental Protection recently released the Florida Ocean and Coastal Economies report which estimates the value of Florida’s ocean and coastal market. Part of the Governors’ Action Plan for Healthy and Resilient Coasts, the study is a guide for progress of the Gulf of Mexico that will be used by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance.

Conducted by the National Ocean Economics Program (NOEP), the report compiles information from 1990 - 2003 to provide a comprehensive examination of Florida’s marine economies.

“The report is an important part of the Governors’ Action Plan to protect and preserve the Gulf of Mexico,” said Stephanie Bailenson, director of Florida’s DEP Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA). “The information and findings from the study will be used to strengthen protection of Florida’s marine and coastal resources.”

The report includes the following findings:

  • Florida produced $23.2 billion from transactions of marine resources and operative industries.
  • Ocean tourism and recreation for 2005-2015 in Florida is projected to grow by 73 percent, creating more than 268,000 new jobs.
  • Florida’s Gross State Product (GSP) for transportation and recreation is one of the top five in the nation, a significant influence on the ocean economy.
  • Florida’s coastal counties increased employment by 31 percent, wages by 48 percent and the GSP by 63 percent.
  • Florida’s inland economy GSP is almost $200 billion compared to over $402 billion for the state’s shoreline economy, a difference of almost 300 percent.

The Governors’ Action Plan is the result of 12 months of collaboration between the Gulf States, a 13-agency federal workgroup, interested citizens and other partners. The action plan is a part of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a coordinated response to President George W. Bush’s Ocean Action Plan calling for development of regional goals and priorities to safeguard the nation’s oceans.

For more information, or to read the Governors’ Action Plan for Healthy and Resilient Coasts, visit www.gulfofmexicoalliance.org.

President Declares National Oceans Week, June 4-10, 2006

“During National Oceans Week, we recognize the importance of the oceans to our national heritage, economy, and security and reaffirm our commitment to protecting them through wise stewardship and sensible management.

The magnificent beauty of the oceans is a blessing to our country and the world.  The oceans also sustain an abundance of natural and historical treasures, enable the transportation of vital goods, and provide food and recreation for millions of people.  My Administration is working with State, tribal, and local governments, the private sector, and international partners to foster more effective conservation of our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes resources and to advance the environmental, economic, and security interests of our Nation.

On December 17, 2004, I established the Committee on Ocean Policy to implement the United States Ocean Action Plan.  Through this plan, we are building an integrated ocean observing system, promoting ocean education, embarking on deep oceans research, supporting our maritime transportation system, and enhancing our international leadership role in ocean science and policy.  We are also advancing legislation to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, establish a system of sustainable aquaculture, and maintain protections for marine mammals.  To fulfill my commitment to end overfishing, we are working with the Congress to build an improved, market-based system to better manage our fisheries and keep our commercial and recreational fishing industries strong.

I appreciate all those who are dedicated to making the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes cleaner, healthier, and more productive.  By working together, all Americans can help sustain the oceans for generations to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 4 through June 10, 2006, as National Oceans Week.  I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about the vital role the oceans play in the life of our country and how we can conserve their many natural treasures.  I encourage all our citizens to observe this week with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.”

GEORGE W. BUSH

Coastal High Hazard Study Committee

In the News

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Oceans Day and Oceans Week

 

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