A Look Ahead

The coming years hold the promise of exciting times for coastal and marine resources. Independent initiatives such as the Pew Oceans Commission and the Massachusetts Ocean Management Task Force illustrate the high level of dedication among members of the public and special interests groups. Federal legislation is following suit and the recent passage of The Oceans Act will convene an interdisciplinary commission to examine the nation's ocean policy and agency organization. That commission will operate with the full endorsement of Congress and the President, as did its predecessor - the Stratton Commission, whose efforts resulted in the promulgation of the Magnusson Act and the founding of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. Coastal volunteerism is on the rise, coastal awareness may be at an all-time high. Organizations such as the Cape Cod Commission and the Massachusetts Bays Program will work to ensure that the Cape's cultural link to the sea is preserved, and that our coastal and marine resources are responsibly utilized and conserved for the enjoyment of future generations.