Oceans 5

Our oceans are home to more than 97 percent of all life on Earth. They are critical to the survival of the planet. They help control our climate, provide more oxygen than rain forests, shelter for countless animals, raw materials for medicine and food for all of us. Our oceans’ coasts also provide endless recreational opportunities as well as a source of spiritual renewal for many. Over 51 percent of the population of the United States now lives in coastal counties. The number of people living in coastal watershed areas is projected to reach 165 million by the year 2015.

Our priorities are to:

Stop offshore oil drilling: Even with the new Congress, oil and gas companies are working to open up our coast to more dirty drilling. We need to tell our leaders in Congress to stop the rush to drill—and start pushing sensible choices like getting better gas mileage from our cars and trucks.

Reduce ocean pollution: From six-pack rings to abandoned fishing gear, pollution in our ocean kills thousands of fish and mammals every year. California can take the lead in reducing plastic pollution

Establish ocean national parks: The concept of marine protected areas includes marine reserves, where no fishing is allowed, marine conservation areas (where some commercial and/or recreational fishing is permitted) and marine parks where only recreational fishing is permitted. A plan to create 29 marine protected should receive final approval in 2007 after environmental and regulatory review.