Policy overview

The Coastal Ocean Coalition (COC) promotes policies at the state level that will help implement the recommendations of the Pew Commission and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy that emphasize ecosystem-based approaches to ocean protection and conservation . Many scientifically credible conservation tools are available that can help states better incorporate ecosystem perspectives into the management of their coastal and ocean resources. The COC believes that states should take the opportunity to examine new conservation tools and approaches so to improve the effectiveness of their own policies that will achieve the goal of healthy ocean and coastal ecosystems.

The COC also is working to prevent the adoption of state policies that do not serve the full public interest. As competition for ocean resources grows, it is essential that special interests do not thwart the ability of state governments to make scientifically sound ocean management policies. One special interest campaign currently under way is to pass bills under the misleading name, “Freedom to Fish” in states and at the federal level. These bills are designed to impede the ability of states to establish marine reserves, one type of marine protected area. These bills represent a step backwards for ocean policy and are opposed by over 40 different conservation groups and marine conservation scientists, in addition to the U.S. Department of Commerce.