National Ocean Month, 2018

Proclamation 9762 of May 31, 2018

National Ocean Month, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The United States is a nation whose identity, wealth,
and security are inextricably linked with the ocean and
coastal waters. From sea to shining sea, Americans
benefit from the ocean's bounty--from the industries it
supports and the jobs it creates. During National Ocean
Month, we celebrate this immense natural resource, and
the millions of hardworking Americans employed by our
ocean industries. We recognize the many ways our oceans
and coasts enhance our lives. We acknowledge that our
Nation can more effectively and responsibly harness its
waters to the great benefit of its citizens.

Through the unique geography of its mainland and the
strategic locations of Alaska, Hawaii, and its
territories, the United States has the exclusive
commercial rights to an oceanic area larger than the
combined landmass of the 50 States. This invaluable
national asset, called the United States Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ), is currently underutilized. To
harness the vast resources of the EEZ, we will develop
and deploy new technologies in partnership with
American academic institutions and innovators. We will
streamline regulations and administrative practices to
promote economic growth, while protecting our marine
environment for current and future generations. We will
also create new opportunities for American products in
the global marketplace, including through continued
support of our commercial fisheries and promotion of
domestic aquaculture.

To advance America's economic, security, and
environmental interests, it is also critical that we
explore, map, and inventory our Nation's waters and
pursue advanced observational technologies and
forecasting capabilities. By exploring, developing, and
conserving the ocean resources of our great Nation, we
will augment our economic competitiveness, enhance our
national security, and ensure American prosperity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim June 2018 as National
Ocean Month. This month, I call upon Americans to
reflect on the value and importance of oceans not only
to our security and economy, but also as a source of
recreation, enjoyment, and relaxation.

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