Coordination of Ocean Management: A Perspective on the Gulf of Maine

摘要

This study proposes a plan for the coordination of governmental ocean management initiatives for the Gulf of Maine region. The proposed plan has been constructed in light of the changing ocean jurisdiction framework brought about by the Third U.N. Law of the Sea Conference and the continuing realignment of Federal-State relationships. The objective of this planning effort was to design an efficient procedure for coordinating existing and future ocean uses and management programs, while simultaneously minimizing economic and political costs. Current and future marine uses of the Gulf of Maine are examined and described in the study. The plan proposes establishment of a Federal level Marine Affairs Council, within the Executive Office of the President, and formation of a Regional Ocean Management Council for the Gulf of Maine. The Marine Affairs Council would be composed of all relevant Executive branch department/agency heads and, would be chaired by the Vice-President. The Regional Ocean Management Council would be composed of Governors from adjacent States, regional Executive branch administrators, and a Presidential appointee and, would be open to participation from the marine user community. The study recommends that the proposed plan be implemented by legislative initiative or by Executive Order of the President. The roles of the U.S. Coast Guard in the proposed regional and Federal ocean management bodies are discussed in view of the current resource shortages being faced by this marine service agency.