1998 Year of the Ocean Coastal Tourism and Recreation 



contribute $30 billion to the U.S. economy through recreational fishing, and provide a 

 destination for 180 million Americans to recreate each year (EPA web page, November 1997). 



In the past 25 years, there have been extensive efforts made by federal agencies, 

 especially EPA and NOAA, in association with the coastal states, to improve coastal water 

 quality. Under programs authorized by the Clean Water Act of 1972 (as amended) and 

 administered by EPA, significant improvements in water quality have been realized. Point 

 sources have been largely controlled under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System 

 (NPDES). Significant challenges remain regarding the control of non-point sources of water 

 pollution (resulting from such sources as agricultural practices, urban and storm water run-off, 

 and air deposition), especially in coastal areas abutting agricultural lands. EPA's non-point 

 source program (under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act), and NOAA's program under 

 Section 6217 of the CZM Act, have been used in combination in a number of coastal states to 

 begin more effective measures to control non-point sources of pollution. 



Protection of the marine environment is one of the critical services provided by the U.S. 

 Coast Guard. This includes prevention of environmentally threatening marine accidents and 

 responses aimed at minimizing adverse effects should accidents occur.. This also includes 

 protection of living marine resources and marine sanctuaries. The implementation of the Oil 

 Pollution Act of 1990 is resulting in safer ships entering U.S. ports, safer vessel operators, and 

 hence, cleaner coastal waters. NOAA's National Ocean Service provides safe navigation 

 services, such as nautical charts, and information on water levels and currents, that help prevent 

 marine accidents. It also performs hazardous material spill response activities. NOAA's role in 

 pollution monitoring (National Status and Trends Program) and damage assessment are also 

 important aspects of managing clean water and healthy ecosystems. 



In addition, special planning and management efforts, largely directed at improving water 

 quality and habitats, have been made in many of the nation's estuaries under the aegis of EPA's 

 National Estuary Program (NEP). Under the NEP, 28 estuaries, designated as estuaries of 

 national significance, have been the beneficiaries of substantially increased research and 

 management attention. Management conferences convened in each estuarine area are used to 

 oversee the characterization of each estuary, and the preparation and implementation of 

 Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs). These include resource and 

 water-quality related goals and the action plans necessary to meet these goals. An enduring 

 commitment from NEP stakeholders at all levels is vital to the successful implementation of the 

 CCMPs and the long-term health and sustainability of these estuarine resources. This 

 commitment must include the acquisition and leveraging of sufficient funds by state and local 

 governments, follow-through on commitments agreed to by the implementors, and the full use of 

 appropriate authorities. The continuing involvement of the federal government, notably the EPA, 

 in the oversight and support of the NEP is also likely to be critical to the long-term success of the 

 program. 



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