Linking Ocean Management to Climate Change VIKKI SPRUILL President & CEO, Ocean Conservancy June 7, 2007 The threat to the future of the ocean and the entire planet is from climate change and global warming. A recent National Research Council 10-year assessment of Earth Science Applications from Space reported that our satellite system has been in decline for years and that well loose 40% of our earth observing capacity by the end of this decade - when we need it MORE not LESS! The President and Congress should consider a Mission to Planet EARTH The poorest of our planets residents the ones whove contributed the least to the problem will suffer the earliest and most from climate change. I dont know why I dont care about the bottom of the ocean, but I dont. Relevance and a sense of urgency will drive the need for better governance and management. Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands The link between oceans and climate change will require state and federal reform and investment in two core areas science and management. The link between oceans and climate change will require state and federal reform and investment in two core areas science and management. Two bipartisan ocean commissions called for ocean management reform So far, neither the President nor Congress have made a dent In implementing the recommendations. We need leadership on climate change and ocean management at both the federal and state level. Were seeing the states take the lead. Weve not seen much on the federal level. In Massachusetts, were working to build a constituency to secure a landmark state Ocean Act. In Florida, we helped create a Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition, a new alliance of NGOs to promote ocean policy reforms. Yes, we need ocean management, but first we need to save the planet and the ocean from climate change! The leaders of the planets industrialized nations are struggling to get it. The public gets it. The media gets it. Our scientists, military leaders and mayors get it. The only remaining question is: Will our elected leaders in this town get it?