Regulatory aspects
The user clicks on the map area and is presented with the legislation
or agency information associated with that particular point. The flexibility of Internet mapping technologies allows the user to successfully
“drill down” to the level of detail needed to satisfy the analysis. For
example, the user can look at the attributes of a feature or list the names
of the federal regulations related to the point. He can pick a particular
act and look at a synopsis of that legislation or he can link to the actual
US Code of Federal Regulations for more information. In this example,
the user would start with the description of a particular piece of legislation and then look at the data layer associated with the act to see
what the spatial extent is and what resource features may be impacted.
Conclusions
Spatial analyses of ocean policy can provide an important component
in balancing the conflicting uses of resources that are occurring in our
planet’s oceans. Tools such as GIS can help policy makers identify gaps
and overlaps in regulations. These types of decision support tools can
lead to better management decisions and more integrated ocean management strategies. In order to conduct the necessary analyses, spatial
deficiencies of policy and management regimes must be identified and
addressed. New regulations must consider the state of the technology
and adequately describe the geography under consideration. Where
possible, federal agencies must clear up ambiguities in legal descriptions.
The OPIS prototype is an example of what can be accomplished when
this is in place. The Ocean Planmng Information System Web site can
be accessed at http://www.csc.noaa.gov/opis/.
Bibliographic references
Graber P.H., 1980. The law of the coast in a Clamshell. Part I: Overview of an interdisciplinary approach. Shore and beach. October 1980.
National Research Council (NRC), 1997. Striking a balance: strengthening
marine area governance and management. Washington, DC, National
Acad. Press.
Thormahlen L., 1999. Boundary development on the outer continental
shelf. US department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, mapping and boundary branch, technical series publication,
MMS 99-0006.
United Nations, the law of the sea (LOS), 1997. The United Nations
convention on the law of the sea with index and final act of the
third United Nations conference on the law of the sea. New York.
US Department of Transportation, US Coast Guard. 1996. Navigation
Rules: International — land. COMDTINST M16672.2C, Washington,
DC, US Government Printing Office.
293
The user clicks on the map area and is presented with the legislation
or agency information associated with that particular point. The flexibility of Internet mapping technologies allows the user to successfully
“drill down” to the level of detail needed to satisfy the analysis. For
example, the user can look at the attributes of a feature or list the names
of the federal regulations related to the point. He can pick a particular
act and look at a synopsis of that legislation or he can link to the actual
US Code of Federal Regulations for more information. In this example,
the user would start with the description of a particular piece of legislation and then look at the data layer associated with the act to see
what the spatial extent is and what resource features may be impacted.
Conclusions
Spatial analyses of ocean policy can provide an important component
in balancing the conflicting uses of resources that are occurring in our
planet’s oceans. Tools such as GIS can help policy makers identify gaps
and overlaps in regulations. These types of decision support tools can
lead to better management decisions and more integrated ocean management strategies. In order to conduct the necessary analyses, spatial
deficiencies of policy and management regimes must be identified and
addressed. New regulations must consider the state of the technology
and adequately describe the geography under consideration. Where
possible, federal agencies must clear up ambiguities in legal descriptions.
The OPIS prototype is an example of what can be accomplished when
this is in place. The Ocean Planmng Information System Web site can
be accessed at http://www.csc.noaa.gov/opis/.
Bibliographic references
Graber P.H., 1980. The law of the coast in a Clamshell. Part I: Overview of an interdisciplinary approach. Shore and beach. October 1980.
National Research Council (NRC), 1997. Striking a balance: strengthening
marine area governance and management. Washington, DC, National
Acad. Press.
Thormahlen L., 1999. Boundary development on the outer continental
shelf. US department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, mapping and boundary branch, technical series publication,
MMS 99-0006.
United Nations, the law of the sea (LOS), 1997. The United Nations
convention on the law of the sea with index and final act of the
third United Nations conference on the law of the sea. New York.
US Department of Transportation, US Coast Guard. 1996. Navigation
Rules: International — land. COMDTINST M16672.2C, Washington,
DC, US Government Printing Office.
293