U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy

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The original congressionally authorized commission to review and make recommendations for a national ocean policy was convened under the Marine Resources and Engineering Development Act of 1966. That commission, which is commonly referred to as the Stratton Commission after its chairman, Julius Stratton, issued its far-reaching report on January 9, 1969. President George W. Bush announced his intent to appoint the 16 members of the new Commission on Ocean Policy on June 15, 2001, based on a process that included nominations by the Congress and appointment by the President. These appointments were finalized on July 3, 2001. Details on the procedures for appointing the Commission can be found in the Information on the Oceans Act, and in the Oceans Act.

The Oceans Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-256), an Act of the United States Congress, became law on August 7, 2000, and went into effect on January 20, 2001. The Act establishes a 16-member Commission on Ocean Policy to undertake an 18-month study and to make recommendations to the President and Congress for a national ocean policy for the United States. The Act charges the Commission to conduct a detailed review of existing and planned U.S. ocean and coastal programs and activities. The Commission is to provide recommendations for a coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy on a broad range of issues, ranging from the stewardship of marine resources and pollution prevention to enhancing and supporting marine science, commerce, and transportation.

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