Number: 2007-13
WHEREAS, the rich and diverse ocean and coastal resources shared by the states of Washington, Oregon and California provide tremendous environmental and economic benefits to these states and to the entire country; and
WHEREAS, these rich resources are threatened on many fronts, including, but not limited to, polluted waters, declining populations of marine life, degraded nearshore habitats, and impacts related to climate change; and
WHEREAS, Washington, Oregon and California have recognized that the serious threats jeopardizing ocean resources know no political boundaries; and
WHEREAS, Washington, Oregon, and California have begun ecosystem-based approaches to managing their coasts, marine resources, and oceans, emphasizing the importance of coordinating conservation efforts among the state, local, tribal and federal governments; and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of this approach and in recognition of their shared challenges, the Governors of the states of Washington, Oregon and California have entered into a collaboration to address these critical issues, as evidenced by the West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health, September 18, 2006; and
WHEREAS, the West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health states the following goals as its priorities:
- Ensuring clean coastal waters and beaches;
- Protecting and restoring healthy ocean and coastal habitats;
- Promoting the effective implementation of ecosystem-based management of ocean and coastal resources;
- Reducing adverse impacts of offshore development;
- Increasing ocean awareness and literacy among the citizens;
- Expanding ocean and coastal scientific information, research, and monitoring; and
- Fostering sustainable economic development throughout the diverse coastal communities; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Oceans Commission also concluded that an ecosystem-based approach to ocean management is needed and urged improved coordination among governing bodies;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled March 30-31, 2007, in Washington, D.C., formally supports the seven priority goals outlined in the West Coast Governors’ Agreement of Ocean Health, September 18, 2006 and urges Washington, Oregon, and California to develop regional recommendations and initiatives that meet the seven goals of the Agreement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges the President and Congress to provide appropriate leadership, funding, and coordination of Federal activities to assist the coastal states of Washington, Oregon, and California with meeting the goals of the Agreement.