June is National Oceans Month, marked for spreading awareness of Earth’s oceans, marine life and coasts.
Many of us have an understandable love affair with the sea, but unfortunately our marine worlds face a variety of threats, namely climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction, extraction and pollution.
In 2014, President Obama issued a presidential proclamation, stating in his address at West Point that: “Next year, I intend to make sure America is out front in putting together a global framework to preserve our planet.”
And in May of this year, Obama strengthened his resolve to protect the oceans, stating “…no matter where you live or who you are, a healthy and thriving ocean is essential to all people all year” in a statement released on the official White House site.
A milestone for Obama was in securing expansion of the Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument from 225,328 square kilometers (87,000 square miles) to 1,269,094 square kilometers (490,000 square miles), ensuring that these tropical environments are not destroyed irreparably by commercial resource extraction.
Covering 71 percent of the Earth’s surface, the oceans affect everyone from their climate and weather to their food and agriculture. Get involved with National Oceans Month to raise awareness and preserve the beauty of Earth’s aquatic environment.
National Oceans Month also coincides with World Oceans Day on June 8.
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