June 12, 2009

Begich Supports Development of National Ocean Policy

Policy could have major impact in Alaska

U.S. Senator Mark Begich issued the following statement today after President Obama ordered the development of a national ocean policy. The president's memorandum calls for a new interagency task force to write recommendations and to develop a framework for allocating and mapping marine resources:

"As the state with the most coastline and most ocean area within our extensive 200-mile limit, I welcome President Obama's announcement of forging a new national policy for oceans and coasts.

"Oceans play a crucial role in Alaska's economy. The oceans sustain Alaska's commercial fisheries which provide over 60% of the nation's total catch. Rural Alaskans depend on the ocean to sustain fisheries resources that meet their subsistence needs, while urban Alaskans enjoy some of best recreational fishing in the world. Millions of visitors are drawn north to view our spectacular shoreline and the North Pacific is a major transportation corridor for international commerce.

"Yet today the health of our oceans is in trouble. Warming temperatures, a diminished icepack and increased acidification are affecting fish stocks, marine mammals and entire coastal communities.

"The change is opening new opportunities. Reduction of the Arctic icepack could open new transportation corridors and allow expansion of resource development such as oil and gas, although these opportunities also carry great risks.

"For all those reasons, now is an appropriate time to take a new look at the nation's oceans policy and Alaska has a lot to contribute to the discussion. Our fisheries are managed for sustainability, and are considered among the best managed in the world. We've learned the lessons from past marine disasters; incorporate new technology in monitoring and assessing our waters and involve our communities and indigenous people and their local, traditional knowledge.

"Alaska also has the most at stake from a new national oceans policy and we need to be at the table when these discussions take place. A new oceans policy must be science-driven and there are major research gaps that need to be addressed first.

"For all these reasons, we welcome the move toward a new oceans policy and look forward to working with the Obama Administration to make sure the new national oceans policy reflects Alaska concerns as well as the lessons we have learned in 50 years of stewardship."

From a Mark Begich press release