We depend on the oceans—for food, jobs, recreation and solace. Ocean currents circulate the energy and water that regulate the earth’s climate and weather and thus affect many aspects of the human experience, whether we live on the nation’s coasts or its heartland.
In the first thorough review of ocean policy in 34 years, the Pew Oceans Commission released a host of recommendations in 2003 to guide the way in which the federal government will successfully manage America’s marine environment. The report found that more than 60 percent of America’s coastal rivers and bays are degraded by nutrient runoff. Crucial species like groundfish and salmon are under assault from overfishing. Invasive species are establishing themselves in the nation’s coastal waters.
The commission recommended
The Pew Oceans Commission concluded its work, but its findings are still available online to aid researchers and policy makers.
Jun 02, 2003 - The Final Report of the Pew Oceans Commission finds that proven, workable solutions to the crisis in our oceans exist, but such successes will remain the exception rather than the rule until we chart a new course for ocean management.
Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)
Jan 27, 2003 - Report prepared for the Pew Oceans Commission finds marine ecosystems around the U.S. are targets of intensive alteration caused by coastal development, pollution, commercial fishing and a host of other human-related activities.
Jan 27, 2003 - Report by the Pew Oceans Commission includes recommendations from fishermen--as told to commissioners in meetings held from Maine to Alaska--on ways to improve management.
Jan 20, 2003 - Report prepared by the Pew Oceans Commission finds that improving fishery management has the potential to more than double current catches, restoring and creating tens of thousands of family wage jobs.
Jan 20, 2003 - In this report by the Pew Oceans Commission, 13 distinguished scientists, economists, and fishery experts recommend reforms to existing fishery management, including ways to improve fishery science.
Oct 14, 2002 - Report prepared for the Pew Oceans Commission provides an overview of the ecological effects—both direct and indirect—of current fishing practices.
Apr 08, 2002 - Report prepared for the Pew Oceans Commission links development and growth along the coasts to the declining health of our ocean habitats and resources.
Oct 08, 2001 - Report prepared for the Pew Oceans Commission on introduced species, which crowd out native species, alter habitats, disrupt nature’s balance, and impose economic burdens on coastal communities.
Jul 09, 2001 - Report presented to the Pew Oceans Commission examines the role of the emerging U.S. aquaculture industry in meeting the nation's demand for seafood and its current and potential impacts on the marine environment.
Feb 12, 2001 - Report prepared for the Pew Oceans Commission links provides background on the effects of pollution on life in the ocean and coastal waters of the United States.
Stay updated with Pew News Now! We invite you to sign up to receive our weekly e-mail newsletter.
