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.
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04-118
Press Office
