HRES 482 - Recognizing World Oceans Day and the Need to Protect the Ocean

Overview

Bill Number: HRES 482

Title: Recognizing World Oceans Day and the need to protect, conserve, maintain, and rebuild the ocean and its resources.
Status: Submitted in House
Introduced: June 06, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This House resolution aims to recognize the importance of World Oceans Day and the critical need to protect, conserve, maintain, and rebuild the world's oceans and marine ecosystems. The resolution highlights the vital role the oceans play in sustaining life, regulating the climate, providing economic resources, and supporting biodiversity. It also acknowledges the growing threats facing the oceans, including pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change.

Key Provisions

• Recognizes June 8th as World Oceans Day and calls on the federal government to observe and promote this annual event.
• Affirms the importance of the oceans in providing food, livelihoods, and economic opportunities for millions of people worldwide.
• Acknowledges the oceans' role in regulating the global climate, absorbing carbon dioxide, and producing much of the world's oxygen.
• Highlights the rich biodiversity of marine ecosystems and the need to protect endangered and threatened species.
• Calls for increased investment in ocean research, conservation, and sustainable management practices.
• Encourages international cooperation and coordination to address transnational ocean-related challenges.

Affected Parties and Impacts

This resolution would impact a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Coastal communities and industries (fishing, tourism, shipping, etc.) that rely on healthy ocean ecosystems
- Environmental and conservation organizations focused on marine protection
- Policymakers and government agencies responsible for ocean management and regulation
- The general public, who benefit from the oceans' vital ecological, economic, and climate-regulating functions

The resolution aims to raise awareness, spur action, and catalyze greater investment in the long-term sustainability and restoration of the world's oceans.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HRES 482 has been submitted in the House of Representatives and is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. If passed, the resolution would express the sense of the House regarding the importance of World Oceans Day and the need for comprehensive ocean protection and conservation efforts. However, as a resolution, it would not have the force of law and would not directly mandate any specific policy changes or funding allocations.