Ensuring the sustainability of ocean living resources

The ocean's living resources provide immense benefits to the United States and to all of human society. Knowledge about these resources, the ecosystems of which they are a part, and the ecological processes they mediate, is still rudimentary. However, trends in the best studied species and ecosystems commercially exploited fishes, protected marine mammals and turtles, and certain coastal ecosystems indicate that these resources and their benefits are threatened by human activities. The U.S. government is already taking steps to address the threats, and actions are paying dividends in healthier resources. The key to further progress will depend on: strengthening scientific research; applying a precautionary approach to resource use; strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders, and managing marine resources on an ecosystem basis. This presentation is based on a "Year of the Ocean" (NOAA 1998a) designed to encourage discussion. It does not necessarily reflect the policies of the U.S. Government.