A resolution recognizing World Oceans Day and celebrating the maritime heritage, ocean leadership, fisheries stewardship, and coastal communities of the United States.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 759 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 759

  Recognizing World Oceans Day and celebrating the maritime heritage, 
ocean leadership, fisheries stewardship, and coastal communities of the 
                             United States.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              June 8, 2026

Mr. Whitehouse (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
                           and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Recognizing World Oceans Day and celebrating the maritime heritage, 
ocean leadership, fisheries stewardship, and coastal communities of the 
                             United States.

Whereas the ocean has shaped the history, security, economy, and identity of the 
        United States since its founding;
Whereas 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America;
Whereas, for 250 years, the United States has grown into a global maritime 
        leader through naval strength, exploration, scientific discovery, 
        commerce, shipbuilding, fisheries, aquaculture, and ocean innovation;
Whereas the United States is home to vibrant coastal communities and working 
        waterfronts that serve as economic engines supporting millions of jobs 
        in fishing, shipping, tourism, energy, recreation, marine 
        transportation, seafood production, research, and trade;
Whereas the ocean economy contributes trillions of dollars annually to the 
        United States economy and supports millions of American workers;
Whereas generations of American fishermen, mariners, shipbuilders, scientists, 
        members of the Armed Forces, port workers, and indigenous communities 
        have contributed to the strength and prosperity of the United States;
Whereas the strength of the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines has 
        defended the shores of the United States, protected freedom of 
        navigation, safeguarded international commerce, prevented the occurrence 
        of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing from occurring in United 
        States waters and abroad, and strengthened America's maritime leadership 
        throughout the world;
Whereas the United States has developed world-class ports, maritime 
        infrastructure, shipbuilding capacity, and ocean technology that have 
        helped power economic growth and global trade;
Whereas the United States has preserved and celebrated its maritime heritage 
        through historic ships, lighthouses, museums, waterfronts, and 
        educational programs that honor the Nation's seafaring traditions;
Whereas the United States global leadership is due to its excellence in ocean 
        science, mapping, exploration, and innovation through the work of the 
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, academic institutions, 
        Federal agencies, and private sector partners;
Whereas scientists estimate that a majority of the ocean remains unexplored, 
        making ocean exploration one of the last great frontiers for scientific 
        discovery and innovation;
Whereas 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
        Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), landmark 
        bipartisan legislation that was signed into law in 1976;
Whereas the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act established 
        a 200-mile exclusive economic zone, strengthened United States fisheries 
        management, protected American fishermen from foreign overfishing, 
        rebuilt fish stocks, and helped create one of the most successful and 
        sustainable fisheries management systems in the world;
Whereas commercial, recreational, and Tribal fisheries support food security, 
        sustain cultural traditions, strengthen coastal economies, and 
        contribute to the maritime heritage of the United States;
Whereas American seafood producers, processors, and fishing communities continue 
        to provide high-quality domestic seafood while supporting jobs and 
        economic growth across the United States;
Whereas 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the Marine Debris Program established 
        under the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.);
Whereas bipartisan efforts through the Save Our Seas Act of 2018 (Public Law 
        115-265; 132 Stat. 3742) and related legislation have strengthened the 
        country's response to marine debris, supported innovation and 
        international engagement, and protected coastal communities, waterways, 
        fisheries, and marine ecosystems;
Whereas marine debris and microplastics threatens navigation safety, coastal 
        tourism, fisheries, working waterfronts, marine wildlife, and human 
        well-being; and
Whereas World Oceans Day is celebrated annually on June 8 to recognize the 
        importance of the ocean to the people, economy, heritage, and future of 
        the United States and the world: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes June 8, 2026, as World Oceans Day;
            (2) celebrates the ocean's vital role in the history, 
        heritage, economy, security, and future prosperity of the 
        United States;
            (3) honors the contributions of America's fishermen, 
        mariners, members of the Armed Forces, scientists, explorers, 
        shipbuilders, port workers, indigenous communities, coastal 
        communities, and working waterfronts;
            (4) recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens 
        Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et 
        seq.) and its role in strengthening American fisheries, 
        supporting coastal economies, preventing illegal, unreported, 
        and unregulated fishing, protecting the country's seafood 
        resources, and ensuring long-term fisheries stewardship for 
        future generations;
            (5) recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Marine Debris 
        Program and bipartisan congressional leadership through the 
        Save Our Seas Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-265; 132 Stat. 3742) 
        to reduce marine debris and protect coastal communities and 
        waterways; and
            (6) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to 
        advancing maritime leadership, ocean exploration, scientific 
        discovery, economic opportunity, and responsible stewardship of 
        ocean resources for future generations.
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