Once thought to be an inexhaustible resource, our oceans are in fact vulnerable. From icy seas to warm tropical waters, more than two thirds of fisheries are facing collapse, runoff and pollution from offshore drilling is polluting coastal waters, and coral reefs are dying.

The recent findings of the bipartisan U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the independent Pew Commission have sparked new interest in this looming oceans crisis, creating a window of opportunity for action.

No American president has yet taken a consistent stand to champion the oceans, despite their immense economic and environmental value. Now is your chance to leave an ocean legacy comparable to that of Teddy Roosevelt on land.

We need a Teddy Roosevelt of the oceans. I urge you to support measures that:

* Use protected areas and other tools to protect fragile ocean and coastal habitats;
* Use market-based incentives and science-based management to transform failing fisheries into sustainable ones;
* Curb runoff that pollutes the oceans and harms wildlife;
* Maintain the longstanding bipartisan moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling;
* Establish adequate safeguards on ocean aquaculture sites to protect marine ecosystems;
* Enforce conservation laws to protect ocean and coastal wildlife and essential ecosystems;
* Double federal funding for ocean science, exploration and education over the next 5 years; and
* Improve coordination of ocean protections programs by creating a Cabinet-level interagency National Oceans Council to conserve, protect and restore marine life.

Thank you.