Bush chooses UW professor for ocean commission

President George W. Bush has chosen Marc Hershman, director of the UW School of Marine Affairs, to serve on the new U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. Hershman was chosen June 15 to serve as part of a 16-member commission of ocean experts from government, academia, industry and public-interest groups.

The Commission on Ocean Policy was established by the "Oceans Act of 2000" to develop a comprehensive national ocean policy. The commission will study ocean resources, assess current facilities, and review the effectiveness of current agencies and legislation. After an 18-month study, the commission will submit a "National Ocean Policy" to Congress in early 2003.

The president chose Hershman on the recommendation of House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt. Hershman also received bipartisan support from all 11 Washington state legislators.

Hershman has been director of the UW School of Marine Affairs since 1993. The school offers a master's degree program designed for those pursuing careers in marine policy. In addition, the school offers multidisciplinary programs with the Henry M. Jackson School, the law school and the School of Fisheries. There are currently 15 faculty and 50 students teaching and conducting research at the school.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to get ideas into the commission and be part of the dialogue on a national level," said Hershman, adding, "The faculty and students (at the school) are conducting work that is exactly in the topic area that the commission has to address. It couldn't be a better fit."

Elsa Carlisle is a first-year graduate student in the School of Marine Affairs working with Hershman. Carlisle and other students involved in the project conduct research, develop filing systems and keep records pertaining to the commissions work.

"Professor Hershman is very excited to get the students involved and input is very important," said Carlisle. "The students are also excited about the opportunity."

According to Carlisle, it is important for everyone, especially those in the marine field, to "follow the commission as one would follow a sports team."

To help the community and students stay informed and involved, there will be a seminar class in spring quarter on ocean policy.

"The issues involved in the study are cumbersome and adversarial," said Hershman. "The review was long overdue."

The last time the United States reviewed national ocean policy was through the 1966 Stratton Commission. The review resulted in the creation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and led to the passage of new environmental legislation.

"One and one-half years to do the work is way too short," said Hershman, "but it's a start."