Support Sustainable Ocean Plans and U.S. Ocean Governance Leadership

Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you to initiate legislation to get us back into work on a sustainable future, especially concerning our oceans, and vital marine protected areas. The 2026 Ocean Panel Progress Report makes one thing clear: Sustainable Ocean Plans work, and the U.S. should be doing more to support them. Nineteen world leaders have committed to sustainably managing 100% of their ocean jurisdictions, covering 40% of the world's exclusive economic zones. Six members have already exceeded the 30% marine protected area target set by the Global Biodiversity Framework. This is real, measurable progress — and the U.S. should be aligned with it. The ocean underpins food security, climate stability, and millions of jobs. Yet the ocean receives just 0.1% of all development funding globally, and budget constraints are the single biggest barrier to countries implementing their plans. The U.S. has an opportunity to lead — by championing Sustainable Ocean Plans in international forums, supporting the Blue NDC Challenge co-led by Brazil and France, and backing adequate financing for ocean governance. The upcoming BBNJ Agreement Conference of Parties in January 2027 is a critical moment. I want to see this country show up with real commitments, not just rhetoric - because there’s no Planet B. Thank you.