From the Stratton Plan to GEOSS: A brief history of U.S. ocean policy

The history of U.S. ocean policy over about the last 40 years is reviewed and summarized. The history is told in largely chronological order beginning with the Stratton Report in 1969. Various ocean policy commission reports are the cornerstones of the story. In addition, several other reports are highlighted. Several themes run through the story including the interplay of policy with science and technology, ocean governance in the U.S., and fisheries management.