Highlights from Capitol Hill Oceans Week

Two weeks ago, Knauss fellows gathered en masse to learn from research experts, authors, communicators, and decision-makers working in marine resource management and conservation across the country.  What was the occasion for such an intellectual feast?  In case you missed it, Capitol Hill Ocean Week spanned World Oceans Day and saw many smart people hoping to spread awareness into the center of our policy-driven D.C. world.  Presentations ranged from portside capacity to sharks and Shakespeare’s maritime writings.  Knauss fellows spilled in and out as the days progressed, made good contacts, and were reminded of the familiar challenges of global fisheries management and communicating science across disciplines. 

Navy Admiral on U.S. security

One thing that was made clear even after the first day was that it is important to remember that a situation is usually (if not always) more complex than it initially seems.  There is always another perspective or user group to consider when negotiating coastal resource management.  In some cases even within our own government, one party’s priorities may conflict with that of another.  This was evident after the discussion of ratifying the Law of the Sea, where it would make things a lot easier for the Navy and Coast Guard by clarifying U.S. jurisdiction (especially Arctic), but would in turn place a greater burden on litigators working within customary maritime law.  I do not pretend to fully grasp these issues, but it is a good reminder to tread lightly while we all navigate and gain confidence within these interconnected federal agencies. 

Dr. Lubchenco for the keynote

As I sat listening to various panelists, another thought began to take shape in my mind.  I have heard many people working within marine conservation and management express frustration about how often we hear repeated rhetoric and see the same frightening trends while nothing seems to change.  Many of my own mentors bemoan this same inertia on the scale of decades.  To those tending toward dissatisfaction or even downright depression, I tentatively offer some fuel for thought.  

First, everyone knows that repetition is a natural part of learning.  How many times do you have to listen to a song to know all the lyrics?  How many more times for Saturday night karaoke?  We might benefit from repetition as much as the general public in terms of keeping important issues at the forefront of our minds.  Second, to stave off frustration, we need only zoom out in time to gain a broader perspective.  In fifty years, we could look back on this era and remember it for halting ozone thinning, instituting marine spatial planning, commercialization of renewable energy, or fisheries quotas.  While efforts might be seen as “too little, too late” and will of course not resemble perfection, people in the 18^th century did not even believe in resource limitation.  Lastly, next time your eyes start glazing over at the sight of the latest powerpoint trend (one of the symptoms of oversaturation, along with indifference and severe drowsiness) challenge yourself to think about ways the information applies to your community or how you could best disseminate it.  See yourself as an active participant rather than a passive voice in the often-preached to choir.  

Taken together, repetition reminds us that we are part of slow change and that the country and global community have a diverse set of concerns in addition to conservation.  In saying these things and encouraging broader perspective and patience, I don’t mean to excuse some of the politics and greed that perpetuate bad subsidies, exporting pollution, or even climate inaction.  But those topics are outside the realm of Oceans Week and my expertise.  Needless to say, there were highlights of every CHOW session and lessons by all in attendance.  Big thanks to NOAA's Sanctuaries program for such a good show.  I welcome others to share their thoughts, highlights, or memories from favorite speakers.