The challenges we face in the stewardship of the ocean, our coasts and the Great Lakes lie not only within the ecosystems themselves, but also in the laws, authorities and governance structures intended to manage our use and conservation of them. This book examines the need for a comprehensive national policy for the stewardship of the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. Today, as never before, we better comprehend the links among land, air, fresh water, ocean, ice, and human activities. Advances in science and technology provide better and timelier information to guide decision-making.