National Oceans Month, 2007

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Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 8150--National Oceans Month, 2007

Proclamation 8151--Black Music Month, 2007

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8150 of May 30, 2007

National Oceans Month, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation benefits from the oceans that contain
precious natural treasures, carry much of our trade,
and provide us with food and recreational
opportunities. During National Oceans Month, we
celebrate these benefits, and we underscore our
commitment to being good stewards of the oceans.

Since the release of my Ocean Action Plan in 2004, my
Administration has made great strides in ocean
conservation by working with State, tribal, and local
governments, the private sector, and our international
partners in the spirit of cooperative conservation. In
June 2006, I designated a national monument in the
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to celebrate the area's
natural, cultural, and historical importance. The
tropical waters of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine
National Monument are a sanctuary for 7,000 marine
species. This important Monument is our Nation's
largest single conservation area and the largest
protected marine area in the world. Earlier this year,
I was also proud to sign into law the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act
of 2006 to end over-fishing and rebuild our Nation's
fish stocks through more effective, market-based
management. Internationally, we continue to lead in
protecting the maritime environment while preserving
the navigational freedoms essential to the security and
prosperity of every nation. By working to build a well
managed system of offshore aquaculture, we can provide
a healthy source of food and reduce pressure on our
ocean ecosystems.

During National Oceans Month and throughout the year,
we recognize all who are dedicated to making our
oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes cleaner, healthier, and
more productive, including the many Federal agencies
that make up the Committee on Ocean Policy. One of
these agencies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, celebrates two centuries of dedicated
research and conservation of coastal and marine
environments. By continuing to work together, we can
conserve and enjoy the splendor of these magnificent
waters now and for generations to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 2007
as National Oceans Month. I call upon the people of the
United States to learn more about the vital role oceans
play in the life of our country and ways we can
conserve their many national treasures. I encourage all
our citizens to observe this month with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.