Our oceans and coasts are sources of great economic and environmental wealth for the nation. The ocean and coastal economies of the United States produce over 50 million jobs for Americans and contribute nearly 60 percent of our Gross Domestic Product. Over one-third of our nation’s economy is sensitive to weather and climate. the strength of our “Blue Economy” depends on the health of our oceans and coasts, the communities they support, and strong federal leadership to conserve and manage these resources…

FY11 2009-08-10 Letter Senate CST OAFCG to DOC, OMB re- FY11 Budget