At least three bills on Clean Oceans are on Capitol Hill and two are co-authored by Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel
Who will push for clean oceans?
Monday, September 20, 2004
San Francisco Chronicle
TODAY A sweeping study on this country's dirty and depleted oceans lands on Washington's doorstep. Neglect and ineptitude are detailed on nearly every page, but who will clean up the seas before more damage is done?
President Bush, who authorized the commission, has a chance. So does Congress, whose members have come up with promising reform bills. Here in California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger can make his mark as an environmentalist by signing legislation to improve and protect coastal waters.
In both Washington and Sacramento, there are opportunities to revive the polluted waters and show leadership on a neglected part of the environment. It will take years to make a difference, but the state bills and the more sweeping suggestions by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy give detailed direction.
The national report was ordered up by President Bush more than two years ago. The 16-member commission, which includes oil and shipping executives, didn't sugarcoat the problem. Everywhere the commission looked it found, "The message was clear: major changes are needed.''
The findings echoed a study by the private Pew Oceans Commission early this year. Be it cod, coral or cruise ships, the nation's 4.4 million acres of offshore waters need better stewardship.
Fishing stocks are depleted because of lax catch rules, perpetuated in some cases by industry-dominated regulatory bodies. Science and firm management are avoided. Regulation is divided among agencies and public panels.
At the same time, the public wants more from the sea: more recreation, more development along the coast and more employment. The result of these pressures are polluted bays and estuaries, beach closures on prime summer days because of sewer runoffs and sprawl that mars views and access. Seabirds, seals and other wildlife are endangered.
These bits and pieces of evidence are no surprise to anyone who's walked along the shoreline. Yet shockingly, the last full-dress look at the country's oceans was done in 1969. Little has improved while the problems of pollution, overuse and poor management have drifted along
The federal commission, which laid out most of its findings in April, calls for a broad approach and didn't shy from any of the hot-button issues. For example, the fishing industry shouldn't dominate councils that set catch limits. Scientific studies should be used in managing marine sanctuaries. The White House should set up a council to coordinate the "Byzantine patchwork of 15 agencies which is not up to the task,'' according to retired admiral James Watkins who chaired the commission.
At least three bills are on Capitol Hill and two are co-authored by Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel. They would give structure to many of the commission's suggestions.
These big-picture debates narrow down in California. The governor is contemplating bills to cut down on cruise-ship pollution, limit trawl netting, put more public members on ocean commissions and provide money for planning.
He has a chance to show Washington how one state with a long coastline will do its part to clean up the ocean.
