We know enough, then, to know that these things are not good for our life support system or for our quality of life, and that our activities have damaging effects on our wildlife. Therefore, how we decide to use our oceans and our waterways in future is probably one of the most important choices for this particular generation. The fact is that we are all responsible. And it really doesn t matter how we apportion blame. The fact is that only joint action can remedy the situation.
People speak of the oceans as the global commons .
A common is something that is owned by none but shared by all and, just as on land, a common is especially precious simply because it belongs to everyone. In this way, the seas are especially precious because we all have a stake in their welfare. Many worthwhile things are already being done. This conference is one of them. This is our opportunity to protect our common North Sea heritage for future generation of Europeans.