President Biden today proclaimed June 2021 as National Ocean Month, noting the ocean’s role as an engine for economic activity, source of food, destination for recreational activity, and regulator of weather patterns and climate, and pledging to “find innovative ways to conserve, protect, and restore our ocean.”
Biden cited his administration’s dedication to “supporting resilient ocean habitats, wildlife, and resources,” referenced the ongoing federal effort to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 “so that our natural world can continue to supply the food, clean air, and clean water that every one of us depends on to survive,” and noted a commitment to supporting “safe, plentiful, and sustainable” seafood harvesting and reducing risks including harmful algal blooms.
Other items addressed include efforts to expand offshore wind energy, the importance of resilient and reliable coastal infrastructure like modern ports and waterways, investing in fishing communities, supporting local seafood supply options, the benefits of coastal wetland and habitat conservation and restoration, the importance of ocean exploration and research, the ocean as a source for carbon sequestration and storage, continued U.S. global leadership in ocean science, stewardship, and conservation, and a commitment to climate justice, including “equitable access” to U.S. ocean and coastal waters for all Americans and creating new opportunities to “diversify ocean-related access and workforces.”
