A location and time has been set for the Obama Administration”s meeting in San Francisco to take input on ocean planning. The only California meeting will take place Thursday, June 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Hilton Union Square, San Francisco.
President Obama recently issued a proclamation naming June National Oceans Month and tasking the National Ocean Council with developing action plans to achieve nine national priority objectives that address some of the most pressing ocean, coasts and Great Lakes challenges.
Ocean uses proposed and debated on the Mendocino Coast such as marine protected areas, new fishing regulations, Navy training, wave energy and even fish farming would be coordinated in the process envisioned. The National Ocean Council seeks input and comments on the draft Strategic Action Plan outlines for these priority objectives.
Outlines are posted on the National Ocean Council website: www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/oceans/sap.
At each of three West Coast listening sessions there will be an opportunity for comment on the draft outlines, with a dedicated area or breakout room to discuss questions and comments.
The meetings are designed so participants can provide comments on more than one strategic plan outline if they choose. Those interested in attending any of the regional listening sessions for the West Coast, are encouraged to pre-register at: www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/registration/west_coast_sap.cfm.
The pre-registration deadline is June 24 for San Francisco. One may also submit written comments directly to the National Ocean Council website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/oceans.
The comment period will close on July 2.
