Make A Difference for the Ocean

"Tug on anything at all and you'll find it connected to everything else in the universe. "
John Muir

You can make a difference. Take part in a beach cleanup, join an ocean organization, comment at a public meeting, write a letter to your elected officials, or attend an ocean fair or film festival. Ocean action is not just rewarding, it’s fun! Take the Thank You Ocean Pledge today!

Let your lawmakers know

Let your lawmakers know how you feel about California’s ocean health. Learn about legislation that impacts the ocean.
The Legislative Process, A Citizen's Guide to Participation

California State Legislature
United States Congress
United States Senate

Join an ocean organization and take action

There are many ocean organizations that are helping the ocean in a wide variety of ways every day. Visit Ocean Communicator Alliance members' websites to learn how you can help.

Blue Water Network
Earth Justice
Environmental Defense
Environmental Defense Center
National Resources Defense Council
Oceana
Save the Waves Coalition
SeaWeb
The Nature Conservancy
Ocean Conservancy
Surfrider Foundation
Heal the Bay

Volunteer at a beach clean-up or rescue clinics for marine mammals

Beach clean-ups and marine mammal rescue centers throughout the state rely on volunteers for support. Learn more about how you can lend a hand.
Coastal Cleanup Day
Underwater Cleanup Day
Adopt-a-Beach

Comment at a public meeting

Attend upcoming meetings of ocean and coastal resources agencies, listed under “Federal Governement” and “State Government” on the Ocean Communicators Alliance page. Participate by giving public comment on items of interest to you. You are an important stakeholder – the state and federal government need to hear from you!

on Ocean Science Careers

Did You Know?

Approximately 95 percent of all U.S. foreign trade is waterborne and passes through U.S. ports.

Fishing and ocean science are not the only maritime professions. Other ocean-related careers can include the military, engineering, medicine, underwater archaeology, marine policy and law, education, film making, zoology, advocacy work, lifegaurding, tourism and more.

The ocean is responsible for the world's climate and weather patterns. Meteorologists also study the ocean.

Coastal states earn 85 percent of all U.S. tourism dollars, and beaches are the leading tourist destination.

How It Affects You

Physical, chemical and geological oceanographers study the ocean floor, its properties and currents. These scientists unlock the many questions critical to safe marine use for both commercial and recreational mariners. They also help us understand how we can use the ocean as food, transportation and defense resources.

Marine biologists, sometimes called biological oceanographers, study marine plants, animals and organisms within man-made and natural environments. The late ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau was a biological oceanographer who spent much of his time in or on the ocean, while other marine biologists might be found working at an aquarium. These scientists help us understand the impact of the ocean on weather patterns, global warming, pollution control, food supplies, medicine, and much more.

Two hundred million years of geologic and biologic history of the Earth are recorded in the ocean's floor. Life on Earth is so profoundly affected by the oceans, almost any discipline can be applied to an ocean career.

What You Can Do

Get educated and share your knowledge!

Learn about ocean-related careers by contacting the National Sea Grant College Program. http://www.seagrant.noaa.gov/

Visit universities or aquariums to see first-hand how scientists work.

Volunteer with the National Marine Sanctuary Program or other marine-focused group, such as SeaWeb, to experience marine-related careers. You don't have to be an ocean science professional to understand, appreciate and protect the world's ocean.

Source of Ocean Facts: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) www.noaa.gov