State of Florida
Department of Community Affairs
"Helping Floridians create safe, vibrant, sustainable communities"

Lawton Chiles
Governor

James F. Murley
Secretary

Dear Friend,

The ocean plays a critical role in our lives, and nowhere on earth is that more true than in Florida. As a state surrounded by ocean waters, our very identity is intimately linked to the ocean. Further, it is the source of rain for our crops, oxygen that we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat. It is the basis for some of the state's most important industries, including shipping, fishing, and tourism. A healthy, vital ocean is of utmost importance for Florida, but maintaining that health is becoming more and more difficult. Increasing demands for ocean resources, coupled with more technological ability to recover them, is placing incredible stresses on these fragile, and also finite, resources.

Florida is responsible for the management of a broad range of ocean resource uses and activities, and has many policies, laws, and rules aimed at the management of individual ocean resources. Nevertheless, Florida has no comprehensive strategy that would allow for the management of ocean resources within a sensible framework one that balances protection with reasonable and responsible use.

Across the state, the nation, and the world there is a growing interest in oceans, and an increasing awareness of threats to their health caused by burgeoning demands and activities. In recognition of the importance of oceans, the United Nations has declared 1998 as the International Year of the Ocean. Governor Chiles has likewise declared 1998 Year of the Ocean for the state of Florida. Furthermore, in an effort to heighten awareness of the role oceans play in our lives, the Governor has appointed the Governor's Ocean Committee. It will be through the leadership of this committee that Florida can find better ways to responsibly use and protect its valuable, vulnerable ocean resources.

Sincerely,


James F. Murley
Secretary