Coalition Of 48 Leading Conservation Organizations Calls On The Next Administration To Protect U.s. Coasts And Oceans

Numerous dangers afflict our coastlines and waters. In every region of the vast ocean, from Arctic fisheries to tropical reef systems, from kelp forests to tidal estuaries, human activities have impacted the health of species and environments. Threats to the health of coastal communities and the tens of thousands of employment in fishing, leisure, and tourism that depend on strong, functional coastal and ocean systems include climate change, pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation.

A large coalition of conservation and research organisations has urged each presidential candidate to give strong, efficient coast and ocean conservation measures top priority during the next presidential term in response to this urgent need and the realisation of the connection between a healthy environment and a healthy economy.

A “Blueprint for Coastal and Ocean Policy for the New Administration” was sent to each presidential campaign by 48 groups from 15 states and territories in the United States, advocating strong action on behalf of our oceans. 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 are a few of the groups that are a part of the alliance.

“Everyone and everything is affected by the ocean. According to Mark J. Spalding, President of The Ocean Foundation, which contributed the initial text and coordinated the coalition, “it is necessary for life and human survival.” “The incoming Administration has a great chance to launch a new wave for the protection of the coastline and ocean areas, a new wave that we will support.”

A Blueprint for Coast and Ocean Policy calls for action on the following ten marine conservation issues: (1) reducing coastal and ocean pollution; (2) clean and healthy coasts and beaches; (3) enhancing the state of our nation’s fisheries; (4) protecting coral reef ecosystems; (5) protection of other significant marine species; (6) marine ecosystem restoration; and (7) addressing the connections between oceans and climate change.