ICCF welcomes the bipartisan resolution recognizing June 8th as World Oceans Day, introduced by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), founders and co-chairs of the Senate Oceans Caucus, and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Buddy Carter (R-GA), co-chairs of the House Oceans Caucus. The resolution celebrates the United States’ maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean stewardship, and the essential role of healthy marine ecosystems in supporting economic resilience, coastal communities, and long‑term national security.
"Our oceans and coastal communities have shaped the economy and well-being of our country, and especially the Ocean State, since its founding. The Senate has a long history of bipartisan care for our oceans, so I am grateful to join people around the globe today in recognizing World Oceans Day," said Senator Whitehouse.
"The ocean should be a source of unity, abundance, and stewardship," said Congresswoman Bonamici. This World Oceans Day, as our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we must chart a course for the next 250 years by protecting the ocean. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan House Oceans Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to address the urgent threats to ocean health. We must protect the ocean, coasts, habitats, and science so the economy and planet can thrive."
"Some of my fondest memories include fishing with my dad along Georgia’s more than 100 miles of pristine coastline. I’ve been blessed to represent my home in Congress, where I’ve lived my entire life, and use this position to promote local industries and healthy oceans," said Representative Carter. "I’m proud to co-lead this resolution highlighting World Oceans Day, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for our oceans, our anglers, and all those who work hard to preserve them."
"The United States is and always has been a maritime nation, dependent on the ocean for its economic and national security. Thank you to the Co-Chairs of the Senate and House Oceans Caucus for introducing this resolution on World Oceans Day to highlight the important role oceans play in all our lives, and for your leadership throughout the year," said Carolyn Weis, Program Director of ICCF’s Oceans Caucus Foundation.
The resolution also marks two major milestones in U.S. ocean policy:
- The 50th anniversary of the Magnuson‑Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which established one of the world’s most successful fisheries management systems; and
- The 20th anniversary of the Marine Debris Program, which has strengthened national efforts to reduce marine debris and protect coastal communities and waterways.
These anniversaries underscore the importance of durable, bipartisan policy frameworks that support sustainable fisheries, enhance maritime security, and protect the natural systems that underpin coastal economies.
For more than two decades, ICCF has supported policymakers in advancing practical, science‑based solutions to strengthen ocean governance, combat illegal fishing, reduce marine pollution, and promote sustainable blue‑economy development, with its Oceans Caucus Foundation (OCF) facilitating nonpartisan collaboration among legislators, agencies, industry, and civil society.
ICCF remains committed to supporting congressional leaders, federal agencies, and partners working in a nonpartisan fashion and across sectors to advance effective, collaborative solutions that ensure the world’s oceans remain healthy, resilient, and productive for generations to come.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
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