Ocean Council came to fruition last month with the unveiling of the Obama administration’s National Ocean Policy. The executive order puts in place a science-based ocean policy including improved coordination for ocean resource governance and a structured, regional approach to implementation. The executive order will also authorize a plan for coastal and marine spatial planning.

This policy creates no new law but is a blueprint for existing laws and agencies to work together to approach coastal waters from a broad perspective, figuring out what aquatic activities are appropriate and where. Whether it’s oil drilling or generating energy from waves, new activity would have to comply with the spatial plans similar to zoning on land. The planning will be done by nine regional bodies building upon existing state and federal laws and overseen by the National Ocean Council, made up of scientists and top administration officials.