FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2004
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112

Deadline Extended for Response to Oceans Report

--Citizens have additional two weeks to respond to report recommendations--

TALLAHASSEE – Floridians now have an additional two weeks to review the recent report from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. As part of an ongoing commitment to coastal protection, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) launched a web site inviting citizens to comment on the report. The 514-page preliminary report provided recommendations on a new comprehensive national ocean policy.

Protecting Florida's Oceans image Florida is home to 41 aquatic preserves, three of the nation’s 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves and one of the largest underwater refuges in the world. Florida’s waters, world-class beaches and coral reefs support tourism, marine and fishing industries worth more than $73 billion.

The preliminary report by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy is available for review by the nation’s governors and interested stakeholders until June 4, 2004. For consideration as part of the Governor’s formal response to the Commission, Florida is inviting input from residents, businesses, scientists and interest groups until May 28, 2004. After the comment period closes, the Commission will prepare and deliver its final report to the President and Congress.

The DEP web site includes links to the Commission’s report along with an on-line comment form to submit feedback on ocean policy, conservation, pollution, marine life, health and science. To submit comments to the State of Florida, visit www.floridadep.org. To submit recommendations directly to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, visit http://www.oceancommission.gov.

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Resources for: Citizens Educators Businesses Government Information Calendar Contacts News Newsletters Organizational Chart Publications & Reports Unless indicated, documents on this Web site are Adobe Acrobat files, and require the free reader software.	Press Office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2004 CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112 Deadline Extended for Response to Oceans Report --Citizens have additional two weeks to respond to report recommendations-- TALLAHASSEE – Floridians now have an additional two weeks to review the recent report from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. As part of an ongoing commitment to coastal protection, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) launched a web site inviting citizens to comment on the report. The 514-page preliminary report provided recommendations on a new comprehensive national ocean policy. Florida is home to 41 aquatic preserves, three of the nation’s 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves and one of the largest underwater refuges in the world. Florida’s waters, world-class beaches and coral reefs support tourism, marine and fishing industries worth more than $73 billion. The preliminary report by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy is available for review by the nation’s governors and interested stakeholders until June 4, 2004. For consideration as part of the Governor’s formal response to the Commission, Florida is inviting input from residents, businesses, scientists and interest groups until May 28, 2004. After the comment period closes, the Commission will prepare and deliver its final report to the President and Congress. The DEP web site includes links to the Commission’s report along with an on-line comment form to submit feedback on ocean policy, conservation, pollution, marine life, health and science. To submit comments to the State of Florida, visit www.floridadep.org. To submit recommendations directly to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, visit http://www.oceancommission.gov. -30- 04-118 Last updated: November 16, 2004
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