Assembly Resolution No. 708

BY: M. of A. Williams

RECOGNIZING June 8, 2023, as World Oceans Day

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to observe those
events of true purpose and worthy accomplishment that recognize the need
for the understanding of preserving our oceans, and instilling
educational tenets to this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, New York State understands the importance of preserving and
contributing to the maintenance of oceans and understands the importance
that our oceans play in the cycle of preserving a proper balance in the
ecosystem; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize June 8,
2023, as World Oceans Day; and

WHEREAS, World Oceans Day, which takes place every June 8th, was
originally put forward in 1992 by Canada's International Centre for
Ocean Development; and

WHEREAS, At the first World Oceans Day in 1992, the objectives were
to move the oceans from the sidelines to the center of the
intergovernmental and discussions and policy, and to strengthen the
voice of ocean and coastal constituencies worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Since 2002, there has been a concerted effort to promote
World Oceans Day as a unique opportunity to celebrate the ocean, our
connections, and make a real difference; and

WHEREAS, World Oceans Day events are celebrated on June 8th, the
closest weekend, the week, and the month of June; and

WHEREAS, The day is marked in a variety of ways, including launching
new campaigns and initiatives, special events at aquariums and zoos,
outdoor explorations, aquatic and beach cleanups, educational and
conservation action programs, art contests, film festivals, and
sustainable seafood events; youth have been playing an increasingly
important role since 2015; and

WHEREAS, Climate change is one of the most pressing problems facing
humanity and our planet; the theme for this year's World Oceans Day,
"Wetlands and Climate Change", draws attention to the vital role of
wetlands as a natural solution to cope with climate change; and

WHEREAS, With annual rates of ocean depletion accelerating from
2000, losses have been driven by megatrends such as climate change,
population increase, urbanization, particularly of coastal zones and
river deltas, and changing consumption patterns that have all fueled
changes to land and water use and to agriculture; and

WHEREAS, If there is an outward sign about the health of our planet
it is to be gauged by the vitality of our oceans, with New York State
bounded by the Atlantic and having so many waterways, no more special
occasion can exist than World Oceans Day; and


WHEREAS, We must recognize the importance and the life cycle our
oceans play in our daily lives; if we are not to honor the largest
physical presence on our planet we will not be able to add to their
intended perpetuity and how vital our oceans are to us as humans and New
Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, The proliferation of pollution and plastics within our
oceans are beginning to have detrimental effects on our daily way of
life, and we must take preemptive steps to allow for the symbiotic and
mutual relationship we share with our oceans to heal and to foster only
positivity for our environment; the importance of World Oceans Day
cannot be underscored; and

WHEREAS, New York State understands the importance of preserving and
contributing to the maintenance of oceans and understands the importance
that our oceans play in the cycle of preserving a proper balance in the
ecosystem; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to observe those
events of true purpose and worthy accomplishment that recognize the need
for the understanding of preserving our oceans, and instilling
educational tenets to our great state; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize June 8, 2023, as World Oceans Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to World Oceans Day events throughout the State of New York.