WASHINGTON, DC, May 31, 2007 - Our Nation benefits from the oceans that contain precious natural
treasures, carry much of our trade, and provide us with food and
recreational opportunities. During National Oceans Month, we celebrate
these benefits, and we underscore our commitment to being good stewards
of the oceans.
Since the release of my Ocean Action Plan in 2004, my Administration has
made great strides in ocean conservation by working with State, tribal,
and local governments, the private sector, and our international
partners in the spirit of cooperative conservation.
In June 2006, I designated a national monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to
celebrate the area's natural, cultural, and historical importance. The
tropical waters of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument are a
sanctuary for 7,000 marine species. This important Monument is our
Nation's largest single conservation area and the largest protected
marine area in the world.
Earlier this year, I was also proud to sign
into law the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Reauthorization Act of 2006 to end over-fishing and rebuild our Nation's
fish stocks through more effective, market-based management.
Internationally, we continue to lead in protecting the maritime
environment while preserving the navigational freedoms essential to the
security and prosperity of every nation. By working to build a well
managed system of offshore aquaculture, we can provide a healthy source
of food and reduce pressure on our ocean ecosystems.
During National Oceans Month and throughout the year, we recognize all
who are dedicated to making our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes cleaner,
healthier, and more productive, including the many Federal agencies that
make up the Committee on Ocean Policy. One of these agencies, the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, celebrates two
centuries of dedicated research and conservation of coastal and marine
environments. By continuing to work together, we can conserve and enjoy
the splendor of these magnificent waters now and for generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim June 2007 as National Oceans Month. I call
upon the people of the United States to learn more about the vital role
oceans play in the life of our country and ways we can conserve their
many national treasures. I encourage all our citizens to observe this
month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
WASHINGTON, DC, April 27, 2007 -
To help cut through the confusing, often conflicting layers of
information about the health attributes of various seafood, the
sustainability of different fish species, and the effects of overfishing
on the marine ecosystem, NOAA Fisheries Service plans to establish
Seafood Marketing Councils.
The Councils, which can be established as of
May 11, also will help enhance public understanding of the oceans, a
goal of the President's Ocean Action Plan.
Confusion among consumers has
hurt the American seafood industry. In some cases, consumers have been
warned erroneously not to eat certain fish even though the fish are
being harvested in a sustainable manner by a well-regulated industry.
While the new seafood councils will be funded entirely by the seafood
industry, their plans will be approved by NOAA in order to ensure there
is no conflict with this agency's mission of protecting and preserving
America's living marine resources and their habitat.
For more information, visit the
Federal Register online.
