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From December 2003 through July 2004, NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) sponsored a series of seven constituent roundtables. 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 number of common themes emerged from the discussions which took place among 119 representatives from academia, private industry, trade associations, research institutions, environmental groups and marine conservation organizations. A final report is now available.
The roundtable series is outlined below:
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Advancing our Understanding of the Oceans
(January 14, 2004)
This roundtable reviewed NOS’s efforts to observe, model, and understand ocean and coastal conditions and processes. Related topics included a national strategy for research, exploration and marine operations, integrated ocean observing systems, model and technology development, and data and information management.
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Enhancing Ocean Value and Vitality (February 12, 2004)
While focusing on NOS activities, this roundtable related to the role of living marine resources, ecosystem-based management, habitat protection, marine protected areas, coral reefs, marine sanctuaries, and pollution. Fishery regulations and management was not addressed in this session.
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Living on the Edge (March 10, 2004)
The Living on the Edge forum discussed NOS initiatives related to coastal zone management, protection of coastal habitats, natural hazards, modeling and monitoring.
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International Issues (April 15, 2004)
NOS’s international activities, including the protection of ocean waters, integrated global ocean management, and coral reef conservation efforts, set the agenda for discussion.
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Promoting Ocean Awareness and a Stewardship Ethic (May 18, 2004)
The Promoting Ocean Awareness and a Stewardship Ethic roundtable explored NOS’s education and public awareness activities, including K-12 education, ocean sciences, and informal education.
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The Future: Sustaining a National Ocean Policy (July 23, 2004)
This roundtable examined new NOS initiatives and plans for the future. It also provided an opportunity to sum up previous roundtables and addressed strategic planning concerns.
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NOS strives to enhance the sustained use of the nation’s oceans and coasts, including safe marine commerce, and other commercial, recreational, and conservation uses and is poised to respond to the challenges ahead. Input from our constituents makes this possible, and we value your interest, questions, and comments.
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The roundtables, hosted by Assistant Administrator Dr. Richard Spinrad, focus on NOS programs and initiatives.
The roundtables also address “cross-cutting” topics, including NOS’s role in the NOAA strategic plan, ocean observation systems and modeling.
NOS is poised to respond to the challenges ahead. Ideas from our constituents makes this possible.
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