Action Call: Stop Marine Sprawl

Just as we have “urban sprawl” on land, we have “marine sprawl” under water, damaging fisheries and other habitat.  Here is an opportunity to discourage marine sprawl and protect aquatic environments.

Ocean Conservancy Petition

Last year, the Obama Administration made great strides toward creating a “blue” presidential legacy when it established the Ocean Policy Task Force.

The newly formed Task Force is already making waves by paving the way for a National Ocean Policy. And just last month it produced a draft framework to move forward an important process called “coastal and marine spatial planning.”

Now we’ve got a chance to weigh in: Tell the Task Force that we need ocean planning that first and foremost protects, maintains, and restores the health of the ocean.

Just like urban sprawl, we have marine and coastal sprawl. And more than ever, the ocean and its wildlife face pressures from diverse activities: commercial fishing, numerous recreational uses, offshore drilling, and shipping superhighways are all competing to stake their aquatic claims.

That’s why it’s time to put order in the ocean. The Task Force must ensure responsible and comprehensive ocean planning that preserves a healthy marine environment, now and for generations to come.

Please join us in urging the Ocean Policy Task Force to take this opportunity to get it right — join us before the February 12 deadline and call for sustainable ocean planning.

For a sea change,

Vikki N. Spruill

President and CEO

Ocean Conservancy