World Ocean Day

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came.”

—John F. Kennedy

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

THE United States joins the global community in celebrating World Ocean Day, June 7, even as it reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the ocean through concrete actions and international cooperation, announced the U.S. Department of State.

“We must seek ambitious and innovative solutions now if we are to tackle the many challenges facing coastal communities and marine ecosystems,” State Secretary Anthony J. Blinken said in a statement.

The United States is reportedly working at home and abroad to advance marine protected areas and reach the global 30×30 goal to conserve or protect 30 percent of the ocean by 2030. 

“Through the Ocean Conservation Pledge, we encourage countries to achieve 30×30 in their own waters,” added Blinken. “With the new High Seas Treaty, countries will have a way to work together to establish marine protected areas in places beyond national jurisdiction – a critical part of our collective efforts to safeguard the health and resilience of our ocean.”

 

CLIMATE CHANGE

 

Recognizing the impacts of climate change on our ocean, including sea level rise, ocean warming, and acidification, the United States Government is taking decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support ocean-based climate solutions, according to the state secretary.

“We are supporting initiatives to enhance the resilience of coastal communities and marine ecosystems through President Biden’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience and collaborating with island and coastal communities to implement adaptation measures like early warning systems.”

 

PLASTIC POLLUTION

 

He added: We are actively working to tackle the challenge of plastic pollution in the marine environment and are promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture – central to food security and economic development around the world – while working to combat the challenge of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.”
Blinken further said: “We are also putting the ocean at the center of our Atlantic diplomacy with the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, collaborating with 38 coastal countries to promote and support sustainable blue economies, marine conservation, and scientific capacity building and exchange.”

“We call on all countries, organizations, and individuals to join us in taking bold actions to protect our ocean,” suggested Blinken.

“Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for our planet, safeguard marine biodiversity, and secure the livelihoods of communities that depend on a healthy ocean.”