PORTLAND (AP) – Proposals in Congress to overhaul federal ocean policies got high marks from Maine conservationists, though some fisheries workers argue it would be better to fix existing policies than add to regulations.

A bill co-sponsored by Rep. Tom Allen would create a presidential ocean policy adviser, a Cabinet-level National Oceans Council, and regional councils that would implement ecosystem-based management. The bill calls for research and public education to promote ocean stewardship.

“What we’re trying to do is create a comprehensive approach to oceans policy,” Allen said. “If we get a good bill here, we believe we will have much more research done with respect to our oceans so we have a greater understanding of how to preserve and protect the resources, including the fish.”

Members of the U.S. Commission on Oceans Policy said they were pleased by Allen’s bill and with legislation introduced by Maine Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins.

“We think the problems are urgent, and the congressional response has been great,” said Andrew Rosenberg, a University of New Hampshire professor and commission member.

The rash of proposals came in response to reports from two ocean commissions that recommended reforms to ocean policies to address threats like global warming, invasive species and contaminated urban runoff.

No one is expecting any of the reforms to pass before the November election. Maine conservationists said they were looking forward to the next session of Congress.

“We’ve gone from, maybe not 0 to 60, but certainly to highway speed in just a couple of months,” said David Fiesta of Environmental Defense.

But some in the fisheries industry said any new legislation should be used to fix regional fisheries policy, instead of adding to regulations.

“The management process has gotten so complicated, it takes too long to do anything,” said Barbara Stevenson, a Portland fishing-boat owner.

AP-ES-08-02-04 1557EDT