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Ocean Ambassadors pledge drive launched
September 23, 1998
Webposted at 5:45 PM EDT
By Environmental News Network staff
| The Ocean Ambassador pledge underlines the fact that individuals of all ages can make an important difference in the overall health of our ocean by the actions they take every day. |
(ENN) -- Be sea-smart and ocean-aware was the message Ted Danson, founder of American Oceans Campaign, hoped to convey in announcing the Ocean Ambassador pledge program.
Coinciding with the annual international coastal clean-up effort that took place Sept. 19, the launch took place in California with students from Rossmoore Elementary School in Los Alamitos and Cabrillo High School in Lompoc signing the first Ocean Ambassador pledge cards.
"It is important to remember that the ocean's resources are finite," said Danson. "The commitment these kids are making here today is a clear and compelling call to all of us to pay attention to our ocean."
The pledge campaign is designed to solicit a long-term commitment to care for the ocean. It is being sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has led public awareness efforts throughout 1998 -- the International Year of the Ocean.
"Individuals of all ages can make an important difference in the overall health of our ocean by the actions they take every day," Danson said. "Simple things like picking up trash on the beach, recycling and conserving water can have a big impact on the health of our ocean."
"The ocean is vital to life on Earth," said Ed Cassano, sanctuary manager for NOAA's Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. "This pledge will help ensure that our children understand the importance of being ocean-aware and sea-smart." The Ocean Ambassadors pledge is featured in the last in a series of 30-second television public service announcements, narrated by Danson. Individuals can learn more about the pledge and the Year of the Ocean by calling toll-free 888-4YOTO98 or on the Internet at www.YOTO.com. Those who sign the Ocean Ambassadors pledge will have their name displayed on the web site.
Teachers nationwide are being asked to incorporate the pledge into their ocean awareness efforts.
"It is particularly appropriate that we unveil this campaign on this first day of the annual international coastal clean-up effort," Danson said. "Beach cleanups are something each of us can do any time of the year. I'm proud to be participating in the cleanup efforts today and I encourage everyone to make the time for these types of activities."
This year was designated the International Year of the Ocean by the United Nations, and in January President Clinton proclaimed 1998 as the Year of the Ocean. The goal for the Year of the Ocean is to recognize the value of the marine environment and to educate the American public about the importance of oceans in our daily lives.
To take the pledge, visit http://www.yoto.com/ambassador/index.asp.
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