Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 5 November 2009

Headlines: USCG – port state responses to request for information; USCG – expected courses of action following piratical attacks; NOAA – Next Generation Strategic Plan; and Hearing on US National Ocean Policy.

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USCG – port state responses to request for information

The US Coast Guard issued an advisory providing an update regarding the responses received from port states for information regarding their policies relating to carriage and transport of self-defense weapons aboard US commercial vessels. In May 2009, the US Department of State sent demarches to various governments. Only five nations have responded to date. US vessel owners and operators affected by this advisory are requested to provide the Coast Guard with specific port call information so that a prioritized list of ports may be compiled. Port Security Advisory 8-09 (10/19/09).

USCG – expected courses of action following piratical attacks

The US Coast Guard issued an advisory addressing expected courses of action for US vessels following attacks by pirates in the Horn of Africa region. Port Security Advisory 9-09 (10/19/09).

NOAA – Next Generation Strategic Plan

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is developing its Next Generation Strategic Plan (NGSP). The agency will host the NGSP Stakeholder Forum in Washington, DC on December 2. The Forum is open to the public, but registration is recommended. (11/4/09).

Hearing on US National Ocean Policy

On November 4, the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation conducted a hearing on The Future of Ocean Governance: Building our National Ocean Policy. Ms. Nancy Sutley, Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), testified that the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force has been charged with developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning. An interim report was issued and comments on that report are currently under review. Ms. Jane Lubchenco, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), testified concerning the need for a stronger ocean policy and an improved governance structure. Admiral Thad Allen, US Coast Guard, testified that a unified framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning is critical to the ability of the Coast Guard to execute its missions. Ms. Laura Davis, Department of the Interior, testified that coordinated action is needed to make our oceans, coasts, and the Great Lakes healthy, resilient, and sustainable. Mr. Billy Frank, Jr., Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, testified that preserving fish and wildlife resources, as well as access to them, is essential. Dr. Dennis Takahashi-Kelso, The Ocean Conservancy, testified concerning the threat to our oceans posed by climate change. Mr. Matthew Paxton, Coastal Conservation Association, testified that promotion of marine recreation should be a core element of the national ocean policy. Ms. Carolyn Elefant, Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition, testified that development of marine renewable technologies can play a significant role in economic recovery and expand the renewable energy portfolio. (11/4/09).

If you have questions regarding the above items, please contact the editor:

Dennis L. Bryant

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

4845 SW 91^st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135

USA

1-352-692-5493
dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com

http://brymar-consulting.com

© Dennis L. Bryant – November 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution