·
The
Oceans, which cover 70% of the Earth’s
surface, are part of a complex system that is
mature, diverse, redundant, stable, resilient, resistant. Weather and
Climate are significantly influenced by the Oceans.
·
Ocean
Systems are long standing, the source of biologic life, and part of inter and
intra Biosphere Biogeochemical Cycling mechanism that distributes and isolates
water, heat, carbon, sulfur and phosphorus.
·
Outer
Space and the abyss of the Ocean Floor are both relatively unexplored
·
The
Coastal tidewaters and continental shelves are
sources of significant NPP of protein and valuable Natural Resource
Services like water and heat cycling and probable radioactive element isolation
in the sediments of the abyss.
·
The
Deep Oceans are increasing recognized as a Commons by the World Community and
UNCLOS that may conflict with the cultural, strategic and economic interests of
the North American, Scandinavian and
Siberian Nation States.
·
The
Arctic Ocean is unique because its confined and isolated location, small size,
shallow and extended continental shelf, and its oil and pollution potential.
·
The
USCG has a unique mission in the region.
·
Data
collection, analysis and sharing, system modeling, and policy inputs from the science, R&D, and
technology sector is rapidly advancing but is under funded relative to the needs
and expectations of both private and public stakeholders.
· For example, until recently, the investments in Ocean research and information system for modeling, managing and monitoring are small, short-term, diffuse and inadequate. Compared other complex systems like financial institutions, national security, energy and transportation, funding for the proper inventoring, cataloging, monitoring and sustaining of the " Ocean Commons" is traditionally low priority and inadequate .