12 2 STA T .53 22 PROCL A M AT I O N8 2 6 8 —JU N E 2 , 2 0 08 Indep enden c e ofth e U n i ted S t a te s of Am e r ica the t w oh u ndred and thirt y- second .GEOR GE W . B US HProclam a ti o n826 8o fJu n e 2 , 2 0 08 Nation a lOce an sM ont h,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Oceans ha v e provided an important part of our herita g e , economy, and recreation, and they are a vita l resource for our country and the world. D uring N ational Oceans M onth, we reaffirm our commitment to protect and wisely use these precious waters and the ha b itat beneath them. We have a solemn responsibility to care for our seas and show concern for the plant and animal life that inhabit them. Oceans bring en j oyment and prosperity to countless people, from boating and fishing, to trans- porting goods, to traveling the waterways. By being good stewards of the oceans, we can ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the great blessings of our natural heritage. My Administration is committed to safeguarding the oceans and ensur- ing effective conservation. Since the release of my Ocean Action P lan in 20 0 4 ,wehaveta k en steps to prevent pollution and improve the health of marine wildlife by working with State, tribal, and local gov- ernments, as well as private sector and international partners. We are working to end overfishing in U.S. waters and to stop destructive fish- ing practices on the high seas. We are also supporting ocean programs to educate the public on the need to prevent marine debris and im- prove the q uality of the marine environment, as well as other projects such as the International C oral Reef Initiative that can help conserve and restore delicate and essential ecosystems. By working to protect our oceans, we ensure that natural wonders like the Papaha ¯ naumokua¯ kea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands will be enjoyed for generations to come. T his month is an opportunity to show our gratitude toward all those who work to protect the oceans, to learn more about the vital role oceans play in the life of our country, and to discover ways we can conserve their many natural treasures. NOW, THERE F ORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim J une 200 8 as National Oceans Month. I encourage all our citi z ens to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of June, in the year of our L ord two thousand eight, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- second. GEORGE W. BUSH
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