Oregon Public Broadcasting

Twenty-six federal agencies released an interim report Thursday on how the nation needs to clean-up and maintain its oceans and great lakes. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Before finishing the report, the feds want public input on how to clean beaches; run sustainable fisheries; provide jobs; promote healthy wildlife; produce clean energy; and foster vibrant oceanside communities.

Head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and longtime Oregonian, Jane Lubchenko, doesn’t want people to underestimate the importance of the report.

Jane Lubchenko: “Today is an historic day. For the first time we as a nation say loudly and clearly that health oceans matter.”

There are no maps in the interim report, which instead focuses on how agencies and ocean communities can work together. But the final report is expected to tackle contentious issues like where to put marine reserves.