Summary:
NOS's Ocean Future Roundtables

From December 2003 through July 2004, NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) sponsored a series of seven constituent roundtables focusing on NOS programs and initiatives, and "cross-cutting” topics, including the NOAA strategic plan, ocean observation systems and modeling. Hosted by NOS Assistant Administrator Dr. Richard Sprinrad, the roundtables provided an important opportunity for constituents to discuss current NOS initiatives with senior NOS program officials and NOAA Ocean Council members. A total of 119 representatives from academia, private industry, trade associations, research institutions, environmental groups and marine conservation organizations participated, and provided a broad range of perspectives on key issues affecting NOS and the ocean community.

As noted in the Ocean Future Roundtables Report (pdf, 1 Mb), a number of common themes emerged from the discussions. Participants at all of the meetings recognized the need to raise public understanding of the role of the ocean in sustaining the nation’s economy and environment. Nearly everyone agreed that the ocean community should work together to support the USCOP recommendations. Finally, many participants stressed the need to better link scientific and management efforts, and noted the important role that an integrated ocean observing system could play in furthering the understanding, sustainable use and management of ocean and coastal resources.