On June 8th, countries and communities around the globe will celebrate World Oceans Day. This year, the United States can send a powerful signal to the world that we care about ocean conservation and are ready to be a leader within the international community by ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.


Take part in World Oceans Day by taking action: Urge the president and your senators to move forward on ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea


So far, 158 nations and the European Union have joined the Law of the Sea Convention, which establishes an international set of rules governing the use and conservation of the world's oceans. Every major industrialized nation has ratifed the Convention - except for the United States.


The U.S. has adopted many aspects of the Law of the Sea Convention, but until the Senate ratifies it, we can't take part in many critical international decisions about how to use and conserve the world's oceans.


Tell President Obama and the Senate that it's time for the U.S. to step up and take its seat at the table.


Climate change in the Arctic demonstrates why we can no longer delay. According to experts, the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer as early as 2013, and there are already plans to expand shipping, oil and gas development and other industrial activities in its fragile environment.


By ratifying the Law of the Sea, the U.S. will be able to play a central role in determining how countries should manage and protect the Arctic Ocean and its natural resources. We will also be able to ensure our broader environmental, economic and security interests with respect to the oceans worldwide.


A small but vocal opposition has prevented the U.S. from fully supporting the Law of the Sea. Don't let that small minority prevent us from protecting our marine resources and our national interests. On World Ocean's Day, ask the president and Congress to show the world that the U.S. is ready to take the lead on the safe and sustainable use of our oceans by finally ratifying the Law of the Sea.


Take action now: Urge President Obama and your senators to push for ratification of the Law of the Sea


Thanks for taking action!


Source: WWF - World Wildlife Fund