• Greenpeace, Surfrider Foundation and Sierra Club among groups urging for strong coast and ocean protection during the next U.S. presidential administration
WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 22, 2008 -- Our coasts and oceans face a multitude of threats. Human activities have harmed the health of species and habitats in every corner of the vast ocean, from Arctic fisheries to tropical reef systems, from kelp forests to tidal estuaries. From climate change to pollution, to overfishing and habitat destruction, the threats also imperil the health of coastal communities and tens of thousands of jobs in fishing, recreation, and tourism that depend on healthy, functioning coastal and ocean systems.
In response to this dire need and recognizing the link between a healthy environment and a healthy economy, a broad coalition of conservation and research organizations has asked each presidential candidate to prioritize strong, effective coast and ocean conservation measures during the next presidential term.
Forty-eight organizations from 15 states and territories across the U.S joined in sending 'A Blueprint for Coastal and Ocean Policy for the New Administration' to each presidential campaign, urging decisive action on behalf of our oceans. The coalition includes organizations such as Greenpeace, Surfrider Foundation, Sierra Club, Reef Check Foundation, Fauna & Flora International, NAUI and PADI Worldwide, Marine Conservation Biology Institute, Save the Manatee Club, and EarthEcho International.
"The ocean touches everyone and everything. It is essential to life and human survival," said Mark J. Spalding, President of The Ocean Foundation, which provided the original draft and organized the coalition. "The next Administration has a fantastic opportunity to start a new wave for coastal and ocean protection, a new wave that we will support."
A Blueprint for Coast and Ocean Policy asks for action on the following ten marine conservation issues:
(1) reducing coastal and ocean pollution;
(2) clean and healthy coasts and beaches;
(3) improving the health of our nation's fisheries;
(4) protecting coral reef ecosystems;
(5) protection of other important marine species;
(6) marine ecosystem restoration;
(7) addressing the links between oceans and climate change;
(8) resolving conflicts between healthy oceans and energy production;
(9) underwater noise pollution; and (10) ocean governance.
>> The Ocean Foundation web page
>> Download a copy of the Blueprint
###
