Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you to initiate legislation to get us back into work on a sustainable future, especially concerning our oceans, and vital marine protected areas.
The 2026 Ocean Panel Progress Report makes one thing clear: Sustainable Ocean Plans work, and the U.S. should be doing more to support them.
Nineteen world leaders have committed to sustainably managing 100% of their ocean jurisdictions, covering 40% of the world's exclusive economic zones.
Six members have already exceeded the 30% marine protected area target set by the Global Biodiversity Framework. This is real, measurable progress — and the U.S. should be aligned with it.
The ocean underpins food security, climate stability, and millions of jobs. Yet the ocean receives just 0.1% of all development funding globally, and budget constraints are the single biggest barrier to countries implementing their plans.
The U.S. has an opportunity to lead — by championing Sustainable Ocean Plans in international forums, supporting the Blue NDC Challenge co-led by Brazil and France, and backing adequate financing for ocean governance.
The upcoming BBNJ Agreement Conference of Parties in January 2027 is a critical moment.
I want to see this country show up with real commitments, not just rhetoric - because there’s no Planet B. Thank you.
First sent on October 7 by Mark
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