Following the results of 2018’s midterm elections, Ocean Conservancy CEO Janis Searles Jones (@InVeritas_Jones) issued the following statement:

“As the U.S. emerges from a polarizing and divisive midterm election, Ocean Conservancy remains committed to three principles: Conservation, collaboration, and unity. We work on a bipartisan basis, supporting science-based solutions on behalf of our ocean and the people who depend on it. That’s how we’ve continued to get things done and make meaningful progress over the past 46 years.

“In the 115^th Congress, our ocean saw many important and hard-fought battles over environmental policy, as well as an occasional bright spot of ocean-friendly legislative accomplishment, such as passage of the SOS Act and the continuation of steady funding for NOAA. As this congress enters the final weeks of its lame-duck session, we must remain vigilant to protect current conservation laws until the congress adjourns. We must also push this congress to immediately address the harmful algal blooms that have plagued our coasts.

 “Heading into the newly-elected 116^th Congress, we know the importance of our ocean transcends partisan boundaries. Even with a party-divided government, Americans can come together on issues like solving the ocean plastics crisis, defending clean water, and funding our premiere ocean science agencies. We’re hopeful that this new congress will listen to their constituents and come together on these issues.

 “It’s easy to get caught up in the divisiveness of today’s political climate, but we have more in common than we realize. Each and every one of us relies on our ocean – and protecting it is a mission that unites all of us from coast to coast, Alaska to Hawaii.”

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Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create science-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, Twitter or Instagram.