Citizens of the Ocean

 

The world is connected, not divided, by the sea—through the circulation of protein, goods, people, and ideas. The ocean contains an enormous, unexplored inventory of medicinal cures, unlimited energy, and the desalinated drinking water that each of us needs in exactly the same amount each day, developed or developing, rich or poor, north or south, to survive.  Storm impact and sea level rise can threaten any time, anywhere, in a tumultuous instant making environmental refugees of us all. These are not frivolous things.

How then do we build a new global constituency for the ocean? How do we engage a growing audience of millions? How do we connect and unite citizens of the ocean worldwide, creating a global community whose collective awareness translates into the political will required to change how we understand and use the ocean’s bounty?

Citizens of the Ocean is a socially-driven movement, a growing network of informed individuals motivated by a love of the ocean and an understanding that global connection is a powerful way to defend and sustain the ocean. We are joined together against the bankrupt values of the past, and united as a force for the future. Take the Citizens of the Ocean pledge today. Join us in making a change in the right direction for the future of the ocean.

 

CITIZENS of the OCEAN PLEDGE

I pledge to work for the sustainable ocean through the following personal commitments:

To only consume seafood or seafood products at home or in restaurants that have been raised or harvested through documented sustainable processes;

To refuse plastic containers when possible, and to only choose those that can be reused or recycled;

To avoid all products using non-biodegradable packaging, Styrofoam, and plastic wrap;

To conserve, harvest, and recycle fresh water whenever possible at home, at work, and at organizations with which I am associated;

To do my best to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and production of CO2 emissions. I will endeavor to reduce my personal annual consumption by 25% using alternative transportation and conserving energy at home;

To adopt alternative technology (more fuel-efficient, hybrid or electric vehicles), solar and wind energy production, and other options whenever possible;

To advocate against the use, run-off and disposal of agricultural and lawn fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, industrial waste, debris, detergents, sewage treatment and storm drain outflow into streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and watersheds as it all leads to the ocean;

To leave all upland natural areas, waterways, and beaches cleaner and better than when I found them;

To oppose development within the coastal zone that compromises the environmental health of the shoreline and associated maritime resources;

To encourage local schools and civic organizations to support environmental studies, programs and values;

To support local conservation and advocacy organizations involved in community-based activities working toward a sustainable ocean;

To require my choice of candidate for local, regional, statewide and national office to commit to these outcomes as part of their political agenda before they are elected;

To build the "Citizens of the Ocean" network by sharing this pledge with my family, neighbors, and friends worldwide.

 

 

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