[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 109 (Thursday, June 5, 2008)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 32233-32234]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-1330]



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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 8268--National Oceans Month, 2008
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  Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 109 / Thursday, June 5, 2008 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 8268 of June 2, 2008

                
National Oceans Month, 2008

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Oceans have provided an important part of our heritage, 
                economy, and recreation, and they are a vital resource 
                for our country and the world. During National Oceans 
                Month, we reaffirm our commitment to protect and wisely 
                use these precious waters and the habitat beneath them.

                We have a solemn responsibility to care for our seas 
                and show concern for the plant and animal life that 
                inhabit them. Oceans bring enjoyment and prosperity to 
                countless people, from boating and fishing, to 
                transporting goods, to traveling the waterways. By 
                being good stewards of the oceans, we can ensure that 
                future generations are able to enjoy the great 
                blessings of our natural heritage.

                My Administration is committed to safeguarding the 
                oceans and ensuring effective conservation. Since the 
                release of my Ocean Action Plan in 2004, we have taken 
                steps to prevent pollution and improve the health of 
                marine wildlife by working with State, tribal, and 
                local governments, as well as private sector and 
                international partners. We are working to end 
                overfishing in U.S. waters and to stop destructive 
                fishing practices on the high seas. We are also 
                supporting ocean programs to educate the public on the 
                need to prevent marine debris and improve the quality 
                of the marine environment, as well as other projects 
                such as the International Coral Reef Initiative that 
                can help conserve and restore delicate and essential 
                ecosystems. By working to protect our oceans, we ensure 
                that natural wonders like the Papahanaumokuakea Marine 
                National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands 
                will be enjoyed for generations to come.

                This month is an opportunity to show our gratitude 
                toward all those who work to protect the oceans, to 
                learn more about the vital role oceans play in the life 
                of our country, and to discover ways we can conserve 
                their many natural treasures.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim June 2008 as National Oceans 
                Month. I encourage all our citizens to observe this 
                month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                second day of June, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-second. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 08-1330
Filed 6-4-08; 9:56 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P