Marine studies dean, prof named to national ocean panel

Marine studies dean, prof named to national ocean panel


Carolyn Thoroughgood	Biliana Cicin-Sain

Carolyn Thoroughgood, dean of the College of Marine Studies, and Biliana Cicin-Sain, director of UD's Center for the Study of Marine Policy and professor of marine policy, were among the nation's top ocean and coastal science experts named in July to the Science Advisory Panel of the new presidentially appointed U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.

The panel, mandated by the Oceans Act of 2000, will provide expert scientific counsel and assistance to the commission in its development of recommendations for a comprehensive national ocean policy.

Thoroughgood is dean and director of UD's Sea Grant College Program. She also serves as acting president of the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education and is an active member of several professional societies and organizations and serves on numerous University councils and committees.

Cicin-Sain, who is editor-in-chief of the international journal Ocean & Coastal Management, has been a pioneer in forging cross-national collaboration in marine policy and has served as an adviser on numerous boards.

The panel's duties will include reviewing the scientific validity of all materials submitted to the commission in order to ensure the commission meets its mandated charge to "give equal consideration to environmental, technical feasibility, economic and scientific factors." The panel also will provide advice, guidance and scientific information as requested by the commission.

Members of the panel were chosen by the commission in consultation with the National Academy of Science and announced at the commission meeting held in New Orleans earlier this year.

Retired Navy Adm. James D. Watkins, chairperson of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, said Thoroughgood's national reputation in nutritional biochemistry and Cicin-Sain's knowledge of marine policy and governance issues will be integral resources in the development of the commission's recommendations for a comprehensive national ocean policy.

Currently, the commission is conducting a comprehensive examination of the nation's marine affairs and assessing numerous challenging issues, ranging from the stewardship of fisheries and marine life to the relationship among federal, state and local governments and the private sector in carrying out ocean and coastal activities. The commission's findings and recommendations will be presented in a final report to Congress and President George W. Bush in the spring.