risk, and the damage is not happening by accident. Human activity is the cause. Harmful fishing

practices, even illegal fishing; giant garbage patches; hundreds of dead zones; and rising

carbon dioxide levels — all of it threatens life under the sea.

That is the bad news. The good news is it doesn't have to be that way. Governments,

communities and individuals can act now to reverse these trends. We can protect the ocean

if we all start treating it like "our ocean."

Wherever you live, you can help in some way. There are things you can do to make a difference.

Let's work toward a healthier ocean, for this generation and those to come.

Show your support and tell others how you'll make this commitment. Don't throw trash into

our ocean or waterways. Ask for sustainable seafood. Volunteer at least one day a year

to clean our waterways or beaches.

I intend to ask our leaders around the world to act now to create a healthier ocean together,

and we'll help lead the way.

What will you do to help protect our ocean?