Presidential Documents

28595 

Federal Register 

Vol. 74, No. 115 

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 

Title 3— 

The President 

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. 


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28596 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 17, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. E9–14341 

Filed 6–16–09; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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