In the March 2010 issue of Oceanography, the president of The Oceanography Society (TOS), Carolyn Thoroughgood, brought to our attention President Obama’s Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force and urged the ocean sciences community to actively engage in the development and implementation of a cohesive national ocean policy. The task force published its final recommendations in July 2010 (to download a copy, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/oceans). The President adopted the recommendations in an Executive Order, which also directed federal agencies to implement the recommendations under the new Cabinet-level National Ocean Council. John Holdren is Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and co-chair of the National Ocean Council, along with Nancy Sutley, who chairs the Council on Environmental Quality.

At roughly the same time, the TOS editorial board was considering a recommendation to establish a regular ocean policy column within these pages. After the idea was batted around at some length, the board decided we should dip our toes in these uncharted waters (at least for Oceanography), knowing there are potential pitfalls. Considering the abundant ocean policy activity at the highest levels of the US federal government, it seemed appropriate to ask the new National Ocean Council if they would be interested in contributing to this column. They enthusiastically accepted this invitation, and I am pleased to direct you to page 190 to read their first contribution.

Through this policy column, the National Ocean Council is communicating directly with our community. We have an exceptional opportunity not only to become aware of US ocean policy development and implementation efforts but also to become actively involved in them. Carolyn suggested that TOS “create a carefully crafted strategy and framework that defines the ocean science research and education needed to enhance our understanding of the ocean, Great Lakes, and coastal resources.” I hope to bring you updates on the Society’s progress in this initiative in future issues of Oceanography.

– Ellen S. Kappel, Editor

Kappel, E.S. 2011. Quarterdeck: Ocean policy and TOS. Oceanography 24(1):5, https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2011.21.

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