WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following statement was issued by Janis Searles Jones, CEO of Ocean Conservancy, in reaction to President’s Trump new Executive Order revoking the National Ocean Policy (NOP) announced today:

“Revoking the nation’s first comprehensive policy to conserve and manage our ocean—during National Ocean Month, no less—underscores the short-sighted view the Trump administration takes when tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing our ocean and coastal communities. In stark contrast to the ocean leadership and vision laid out during two previous administrations, this one is rolling back federal ocean commitments that will jeopardize the long-term health of the ocean.

“The National Ocean Policy was a common-sense plan that was good for the economy, jobs, local communities, national security and the environment. We are disappointed that this administration is retreating from a holistic ocean policy that had sustainability at its core. Among its many successes was the creation of regional ocean plans and data portals that are already helping address the real world needs of ocean users.

“While retreating from a comprehensive ocean policy, the Trump administration has signaled that it will maintain a few important elements like regional ocean partnerships, publicly accessible ocean data and improved coordination across federal agencies.

“Ocean Conservancy will continue to hold the Trump administration accountable to its commitments and we are always ready to support governors, mayors, tribes and other ocean users who share our vision for vibrant coastal communities and a healthy ocean.”

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Ocean Conservancy experts are available for media enquiries.

NOTES TO EDITOR:

• The National Ocean Policy was established in 2010 by Executive Order 13547, Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes, to protect, maintain, and restore the health and biodiversity of the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems and resources.
• The National Ocean Policy encouraged collaboration and transparency when planning for ocean and coastal use. This includes the voluntary development of the regional ocean plans, which have been finalized in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic.
• The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions spanning from Virginia to Maine are currently implementing regional ocean plans as a result of the National Ocean Policy. They were designed with significant input from stakeholders focused on supporting more informed decision-making on marine transportation infrastructure, national security and homeland defense activities; ocean discharges; siting energy facilities; permitting sand removal and beach re-nourishment; managing commercial and recreational fishing; and activities affecting threatened and endangered species and migratory birds.
• West Coast states and the Pacific Islands are in the process of developing regional ocean plans.

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.