January 13, 2010 has been dubbed “Wear Blue for the Oceans Day” http://wearblueforoceans.org/ . The purpose is to demonstrate widespread support for the Obama Administration to establish a National Ocean Policy through issuing an Executive Order. This is a great opportunity to organize an event around or spread the word through your networks.

Last June, President Obama established an Ocean Policy Task Force to develop recommendations for a National Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). The Task Force process is nearing completion – see interim reports and comment opportunities on their website - and in early 2010, the Obama Administration will be considering its response to the Task Force recommendations.

This is a historic opportunity to help shape the future of ocean and coastal management. Please help spread the word!

"We have a stewardship responsibility to maintain healthy, resilient, and sustainable oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes resources for the benefit of this and future generations."

President Barack Obama, June 12, 2009