Senate & House Oceans Caucus Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing World Oceans Day

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), founders and co-chairs of the Senate Oceans Caucus, and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Buddy Carter (R-GA), co-chairs of the House Oceans Caucus, introduced a resolution recognizing June 8^th as World Oceans Day. The resolution celebrates the United States' maritime heritage, oceans leadership, and coastal communities ahead of the 250^th anniversary of the country and reaffirms U.S. commitment to protecting ocean resources for future generations.

"Our oceans and coastal communities have shaped the economy and well-being of our country, and especially the Ocean State, since its founding. The Senate has a long history of bipartisan care for our oceans, so I am grateful to join people around the globe today in recognizing World Oceans Day," said Whitehouse. "We owe it to future generations to work together to prevent the worst effects of climate change, including by continuing to collect data on our oceans, and protect our most precious global resource."

"The ocean should be a source of unity, abundance, and stewardship," said Congresswoman Bonamici. "It nourishes us, drives the economy, and regulates the climate. This World Oceans Day, as our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we must chart a course for the next 250 years by protecting the ocean. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan House Oceans Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to address the urgent threats to ocean health. We must protect the ocean, coasts, habitats, and science so the economy and planet can thrive."

"Some of my fondest memories include fishing with my dad along Georgia's more than 100 miles of pristine coastline. I've been blessed to represent my home in Congress, where I've lived my entire life, and use this position to promote local industries and healthy oceans," said Rep. Carter. "I'm proud to co-lead this resolution highlighting World Oceans Day, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for our oceans, our anglers, and all those who work hard to preserve them."

The resolution commemorates the 50^th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, landmark bipartisan legislation that strengthened U.S. fisheries management, protected American fishermen from foreign overfishing, and helped create one of the most successful and sustainable fisheries management systems in the world. The resolution also commemorates the 20^th anniversary of the Marine Debris program, established under the Marine Debris Act to strengthen the nation's response to marine debris and protect coastal communities and waterways.

"The United States is and always has been a maritime nation, dependent on the ocean for its economic and national security. Thank you to the Co-Chairs of the Senate and House Oceans Caucus for introducing this resolution on World Oceans Day to highlight the important role oceans play in all our lives, and for your leadership throughout the year," said Carolyn Weis, Program Director of the Oceans Caucus Foundation.

"America's story is a maritime story. On World Oceans Day, we celebrate the generations of fishermen, mariners, shipbuilders, scientists, coastal communities, and explorers whose work has helped build our nation and continues to drive innovation, opportunity, and leadership on the world's oceans. We'd like to thank Congress for introducing this resolution and recognizing the important role the ocean plays in our history, present, and future," said Emily Patrolia, Founder and CEO of ESP Advisors.

"We applaud Congress for recognizing World Oceans Day and celebrating the maritime heritage that has shaped our nation for more than 250 years. This recognition highlights the vital role of ocean observations and the information services they support in helping fishermen, mariners, ports, businesses, and coastal communities make informed decisions that strengthen maritime commerce, support seafood production, enhance public safety, and help sustain America's ocean economy for future generations," said Kristen Yarincik, Executive Director of the IOOS Association.

"The ocean is one of America's greatest national treasures, and keeping it healthy, thriving, and productive should be a priority for all members of Congress. We couldn't agree more with the sentiments in this resolution and are in particular grateful to see the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration named for its crucial role in managing this shared resource," said Kathy Tsantiris, Director of Government Relations at the Ocean Conservancy.

"A vibrant ocean is the foundation for life on Earth. This World Oceans Day, EDF celebrates the tremendous role of the ocean in feeding families, supporting the livelihoods of millions along the coast, and moderating the climate. We also honor the 50th Anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the cornerstone of U.S. fisheries management that has helped rebuild dozens of fisheries and strengthen ocean resilience. This progress reflects decades of dedication from public servants at NOAA and partners across the country, whose science-based stewardship shows that when we manage our ocean wisely, people and nature can thrive together," said Reggie Paros, Senior Director of Fisheries & Oceans Public Affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund.

As a co-founder of the Senate Oceans Caucus, Whitehouse plays a key role in crafting bipartisan policies to confront the major challenges facing our oceans. Whitehouse's Save Our Seas 2.0 Act was signed into law in 2020, becoming the most comprehensive legislation ever to address the global marine debris crisis. The bipartisan legislation built on the success of the Senator's original Save Our Seas Act, which became law in 2018.

The full text of the resolution is available here.