Democratic Reps. Nick Rahall and Sam Farr have introduced legislation that would revamp the regional fishery management councils to prevent their domination by industry representatives
Clean up oceans before it's too late
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD
The oceans sustain life on Earth, human health and communities. This week, a commission will discuss the finishing touches for its report on how the United States can better preserve its rich ocean resources.
From the shores of Alaska to the tip of Florida, oceans face serious threats. Along the Pacific as elsewhere, overfishing threatens fish species that provide food, jobs and recreational opportunities. Population growth is pressuring habitats. And all manner of pollutants from cities, ships and industry are worsening water quality even far from shore.
The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy soon will give President Bush and Congress a series of recommendations on what to do next. Judging from the Bush-appointed commission's draft report, a great deal needs to be done. And quickly.
"Reform needs to start now," the draft report said in April, "while it is still possible to reverse distressing declines, seize exciting opportunities and sustain the oceans."
Bush will propose changes based on the report, although that likely won't occur until after the election. But some in Congress are getting started already.
Democratic Reps. Nick Rahall and Sam Farr have introduced legislation that would revamp the regional fishery management councils to prevent their domination by industry representatives, put normal conflict-of-interest rules in place and ensure science guides decisions about the size of fishery harvests. Their measure could go a long way toward addressing the well-documented flaws in many fisheries decisions.
Whatever measures the president recommends, it's important that Congress vigorously address the need for wide-ranging changes. Both the U.S. Commission and an independent group, the Pew Oceans Commission, have said broad needs require new federal coordinating mechanisms, although they have differed on the details.
Between the two groups' studies, which agree remarkably, the president and Congress will have a rich variety of ideas for better conservation of the oceans' resources. The key is to look toward solutions, not fall into the decades-old pattern of looking the other way as oceans slip toward what could be points of no return.
Any further decline in the oceans would be bad for everyone, particularly the states, cities and workers who today enjoy the advantages of coastal living.
