WASHINGTON – Kacky Andrews, Chief Conservation Officer of Ocean Conservancy, issued the following statement on Earth Day:

“With the ocean covering 70% of the planet’s surface, Earth Day offers the chance to remind the world that a healthy planet requires a healthy ocean. As 50% of the oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean, it powers every second breath we take. Now, more than ever, we must work together to help keep the Earth’s blue lungs functioning and thriving. 

“This year, we have a critical opportunity to draw attention to the urgent need for global ocean action. In less than two months, Ocean Conservancy will be among organizations from around the world gathering in Nice, France, for the UN Ocean Conference to discuss the challenges facing the ocean and the solutions we need to solve them. 

“For more than half a century, Ocean Conservancy has been a leader in fighting for policies to protect our ocean, and the fish, wildlife, and communities that rely on it. For 26 Congresses and 10 U.S. presidents, we have advised governments, built coalitions and engaging global citizens to implement evidence-based solutions to our ocean’s greatest challenges. And we aren’t stopping now. 

“Ocean Conservancy exists to fight for a healthy ocean for the benefit of everyone. Whether it’s cutting-edge scientific research on the ocean’s threats, public education on the steps we can all take, or hosting beach cleanups, we work every day to make the ocean–and the Earth–a better place.”

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ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.