This is the latest U.S. Ocean Policy Report Card (produced by the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative) that I can find. So I’m left wondering how much we have actually improved over the last 2 years and how we’d we rate ourselves in 2008 and 2009 in terms of progress?  I’m indeed looking for real change, not lip service, and at least a B average for crying out loud. Well, the recent release of the Interim Report of The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force is spelling out known problems so perhaps more ocean friendly policies can move forward sooner rather than later…
“… biological diversity is in decline due to overfishing, introduction of invasive species, and loss and degradation of essential habitats from coastal development and associated human activities. The introduction of non-native species can carry significant ecological and economic costs. Human and marine ecosystem health are threatened by a range of challenges, including increased levels of exposure to toxins from harmful algal blooms and other sources, and greater contact with infectious agents. Areas in numerous bays, estuaries, gulfs, and the Great Lakes are now consistently low in or lacking oxygen, creating dead zones along our bays and coasts. Unsustainable fishing (e.g., overfishing) remains a serious concern with consequences for marine ecosystems and human communities. In the Arctic, environmental changes are revealing the vulnerability of its ecosystems….”
