OLYMPIA – As vice-chairman of the Senate’s Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation Committee, Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Islands, focused on a number of ocean issues during his first year. But now, looking forward to his second session, Ranker points to the leadership of President Barack Obama as a shining example of where to remain focused as we look forward towards ensuring our oceans’ health for decades to come.

“I’m looking forward to working with the federal government, local entities and state and tribal agencies in promoting complimentary efforts to secure a healthy future for our oceans,” Ranker said.

On June 12 President Obama signed a proclamation declaring June to be National Oceans month, and also issued a memorandum to executive departments and agencies to establish the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, focusing on the protection, maintenance and restoration of the health of coastal and ocean ecosystems and resources.

The President’s memorandum follows parallels the recommendation of the Pew Oceans Commission and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. In 2003 and 2004 the two Commissions called for the President and Congress to develop an integrated, ecosystem-based approach to governing our oceans. This is particularly important in Washington State where we have numerous existing and new uses being proposed for our waters.

“Our work on generating renewable energy using wave, tidal and off-shore wind energy has to be done in a manner that is complementary to our fisheries, natural and recreation resources… and the coastal communities that depend upon them,” Ranker said. “None of our work is happening in a vacuum, and the initial steps forward from the Obama administration are very positive.”

As the 2010 session approaches, Sen. Ranker also said he is closely studying the work being done at the federal level, and will be putting it to use in planning new legislation that will directly impact the health and resilience of Washington’s coast and Puget Sound.