New Report Highlighting the Ocean's Importance to the U.S. Economy to Be Released...

New Report Highlighting the Ocean's Importance to the U.S. Economy to Be
Released During Capitol Hill Ocean Week

A new report to be issued by the National Ocean Economics Program (NOEP),
during Capitol Hill Ocean Week, on June 8th, 2009, will highlight the overall
economic value of the ocean and our coasts and the critical need to ensure the
health of our ocean resources through additional federal resources targeting
the protection of marine sanctuaries, marine protected areas and vital coastal
habitats.

For the past ten years, NOEP has compiled time-series data that tracks
economic activities, demographics, natural resource production, non-market
values, and federal expenditures in the U.S. coastal zone both on land and in
the water. The report highlights this data.

Coastal states account for 83% of the U.S. economy. At this time of global
economic crisis, when U.S. policy makers are also recognizing the enormous
importance of the oceans and coastal areas, this report will demonstrate that
our nation's economy depends on a healthy ocean.

WHAT: Media briefing to introduce National Ocean Economics Program (NOEP)
Report on the Ocean and U. S. Economy

WHEN:June 8, 2009
10:30-11:30

WHERE: U. S. Capitol Building, Room # HC 5
Washington, D.C.

WHO: Dr. Judith T. Kildow, Director, NOEP
Rep. Sam Farr, (D) CA
Report Authors: Judith Kildow, Charles Colgan and Jason Scorse

NOEP, part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, provides a full
range of the most current economic and socio-economic information available on
changes and trends along the U.S. coast and in coastal waters. The program has
been supported by federal, state, university, and private grants and
contracts, including the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, NOAA Coastal
Service Center, the Wrigley Institute at USC, USC Sea Grant, the Packard
Foundation, state of California and the state of Florida. Visit NOEP at
www.oceaneconomics.org.
Note to editors:Only credentialed media representatives will be allowed in the
U.S. Capitol Building. Please contact Lou Cafiero at 240-205-0400 to attend.

CONTACT: Lou Cafiero, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, +1-240-205-0400,
for NOEP

/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- May 27/

SOURCE National Ocean Economics Program