Conference on oceans draws Clinton

Abstract

Against the tranquil backdrop of Monterey Bay, Calif., President Bill Clinton earlier this month signed a measure extending the U.S. ban on offshore oil drilling, and he proposed several sweeping initiatives to protect, restore, and explore the oceans. Clinton was in California for a two-day National Ocean Conference, organized by Commerce Secretary William M. Daley and Navy Secretary John H. Dalton, to focus the U.S. role in the United Nations-designated Year of the Ocean. Speakers included Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), and Rep. Sam Fair (D-Calif.). This is a historic event. Never before have the highest officials in this country come together to focus on ocean issues, said noted oceanographer and marine biologist Sylvia A. Earle, former National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration chief scientist and currently a research associate at the Smithsonian Institution. During the event, speakers expounded on the importance of the ...