Proclamation 9901-National Ocean Month, 2019
Issued 2019-05-31 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Trump designated June 2019 as National Ocean Month through this proclamation. This is a ceremonial declaration that brings attention to America's oceans and their importance to the country. The proclamation itself doesn't create new laws or require anyone to do anything specific—it simply recognizes the month and calls on Americans to reflect on the ocean's value.
According to the proclamation, America's oceans and the Great Lakes generate $320 billion in economic activity and support millions of jobs in industries like commercial fishing, recreation, tourism, shipping, and energy. The United States has more than 13,000 miles of coastline and the world's largest exclusive economic zone, covering 3.4 million nautical square miles. The proclamation mentions the administration's commitment to protecting native aquatic species, reducing reliance on foreign fish imports, and keeping the fishing industry strong.
This type of presidential proclamation has been issued since George Washington and is a traditional way for presidents to draw public awareness to particular causes or observances. It doesn't direct federal spending, impose obligations on citizens, or require congressional approval—it's purely a statement recognizing the ocean's importance to the nation's economy, national security, environment, and as a source of recreation and enjoyment.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9901-National Ocean Month, 2019" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to ocean. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9901—National Ocean Month, 2019 May 31, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The ocean supports millions of American jobs across numerous industries, including commercial fishing, recreation and tourism, international trade, shipping, ports, energy, and other maritime commerce. During National Ocean Month, we recognize the importance of the ocean to the economy, national security, and environment of the United States, and we renew our commitment to safeguarding its vital resources. America is, and will always be, one of the world's preeminent seafaring nations. All of our Nation's citizens benefit from our access to the ocean. With more than 13,000 miles of coastline and 3.4 million nautical square miles of ocean within our territorial jurisdiction, our country's exclusive economic zone is the largest in the world. Together, our oceans and the Great Lakes generate $320 billion in economic activity. That is one reason why my Administration is committed to developing new, innovative ways to protect our native aquatic species, reduce our reliance on foreign fish imports, and keep our fishery industry strong. Over the last few years, we have made important strid