See http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/01/24/open-comments-ntl-ocean-policy-strategic-action-plans for more information.
The 9 priority objectives of the NOP can be divided into two categories: “How we do business” and “ Special Emphasis”. The first includes Ecosystem-Based Management, Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning, Inform Decisions and Improve Understanding, Coordination and Support, and Ocean Coastal and Great Lakes Observations Mapping and Infrastructure. The second includes Resiliency and Adaptation, Regional Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Water Quality and Strategic Action on Land, Resiliency and Adaptation to Climate Change, and Changing conditions in the Arctic.
These plans are adaptive in nature and are to be reviewed annually. The outlines are merely a preliminary interim plan on which the public may submit comments until July 2. Late this summer a new draft of each strategic action plan will be drafted, taking into account the feedback received at these regional listening sessions and online.
By Bridgette Black, Class of 2012