Restore the Health of Our Oceans!
- by: Oceana
- recipient: George W. Bush, President
Our oceans are on the verge of collapse. Ninety percent of the "big" fish, such as tuna, marlin and swordfish, are gone. And now, scientists estimate that the world's commercial fisheries may collapse by the year 2048.
Already, 29 percent of fish and seafood species have collapsed, meaning their catch has declined by 90 percent. Time is running out for our oceans - but it's not too late, if we act now. And yet, the Bush Administration continues to under-fund critical ocean conservation, research and management programs.
Tell President Bush to protect our oceans so that the next generation can also enjoy their bounty. Please urge President Bush to fully fund ocean programs and make a commitment to protect and restore our endangered ocean ecosystems.
Dear President Bush,
I was blown away by the recent scientific projection that the world's fisheries could be gone by the year 2048. As a nation with a large fishing industry and a growing population, we have a responsibility to be leaders in the fight to save our oceans - yet you continue to under-fund critical ocean conservation and management programs.
We need strong commitment to protect our oceans. By investing in our oceans, we are investing in our future. Critical ocean programs like fishery management, habitat protection, global warming research, marine mammal and sea turtle conservation, among others continue to be under-funded. The 2008 budget request was well below what is needed for a true commitment to protecting and restoring our oceans. There is still time to call for an increase in funding for ocean conservation.
[Your comment here]
As you know, oceans play a central role in the global warming crisis, and time is short to turn things around. I ask that you take great strides in the remainder of your term to conserve our oceans, by restoring fish populations, protecting sensitive ocean habitat, reducing pollution and combating global warming.
