[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8392--JUNE 12, 2009

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.

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123 STAT. 3662

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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA