[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 115 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 28595-28596]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-14341]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 17, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 28595]]

                Proclamation 8392 of June 12, 2009

                
National Oceans Month, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Oceans are the Earth's dominant feature. They cover 
                more than 70 percent of the planet's surface and affect 
                our lives in a variety of ways. This month we celebrate 
                the wonder of the oceans, and we commit to protecting 
                and sustaining them for current and future generations.

                The oceans are critical to supporting life. From the 
                abyssal plains of the Pacific to the shallow coral 
                reefs and seagrass beds of the Florida Keys, oceans 
                support an incredible diversity of marine life and 
                ecosystems. The base of the oceanic ecosystem provides 
                most of the oxygen we breathe, so oceans are critical 
                to our survival. These bodies of water also drive 
                weather patterns and affect climate.

                Our Nation's economy relies heavily on the oceans. 
                Goods and services are transported across them 
                constantly. They support countless jobs in an array of 
                industries, including fishing, tourism, and energy. The 
                economies of entire regions depend on the oceans.

                The United States has been a leader in exploring and 
                protecting this critical resource. We have gained new 
                insights into the ocean ecosystems through research and 
                monitoring. We have promoted innovative conservation 
                efforts, such as setting aside special areas as 
                national marine sanctuaries. We have also reduced 
                overfishing, made great strides in reducing coastal 
                pollution, and helped restore endangered species and 
                degraded habitats.

                My Administration continues to build upon this 
                progress, and we are taking a more integrated and 
                comprehensive approach to developing a national ocean 
                policy that will guide us well into the future. This 
                policy will incorporate ecosystem-based science and 
                management and emphasize our public stewardship 
                responsibilities. My Administration also is working to 
                develop a systematic marine spatial planning framework 
                for the conservation and sustainable use of ocean 
                resources. I am committed to protecting these resources 
                and ensuring accountability for actions that affect 
                them.

                During National Oceans Month, we celebrate these vast 
                spaces and the myriad ways they sustain life. We also 
                pledge to preserve them and commend all those who are 
                engaged in efforts to meet this end.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as National 
                Oceans Month. I call upon all Americans to learn more 
                about the oceans and what can be done to conserve them.

[[Page 28596]]

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

[FR Doc. E9-14341
Filed 6-16-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P