“In the coming year, I’m looking forward to a new Coast Guard study of vessel traffic in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas off Alaska’s northern and northwest coasts. A similar study in the Bering Sea and Bering Strait recently led to designation of new vessel routes and protective ‘areas to be avoided.’ I’m optimistic the new study in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas also will lead to the adoption of new management measures that will improve shipping safety, better protect the Arctic waters from impacts of vessel traffic and reduce conflicts between big ships and indigenous subsistence hunters in small boats.”

Andrew Hartsig

Director, Arctic Program

“2019 marks the 10^th birthday of the 2009 Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act, or FOARAM for short. This is the act that started the U.S. federal scientific effort to research and monitor ocean acidification in a coordinated way. We’re looking forward to celebrating this milestone, and reviewing all the great information that has come to light as a result of this work. We’re also looking ahead to what the next 10 years of investment on ocean changes like acidification will bring! ”

Sarah Cooley

Director, Ocean Acidification Program

“I’m excited about taking the swell we saw building on oceans and climate in 2018, and working with ocean champions around the globe to turn it into a wave of action in 2019. Taking the ocean into account is critical for successfully addressing global climate change, and addressing climate change is critical for the future of our ocean. But until recently, climate policies have largely not effectively taken the ocean’s role into account.  This is the year to really start to tackle that ‘ocean-climate blind spot.’ Let’s go!”

Anne Merwin

Senior Director, Conservation Policy and Programs

“I’m looking forward to communicating more with ocean supporters, like YOU, on how we can work together to be a force for good for our ocean. All throughout 2019—we will be taking action, speaking up for marine wildlife and finding ways to help make a difference in our everyday lives for the ocean. If there is one thing you do today—please join Ocean Conservancy. Whether it’s online, on social or mobile (text ‘ocean’ to 91990)—we need you to help us in advocating for the ocean—and we can’t do our work without your support.”

Michelle Frey

Senior Director, Digital Outreach