The Oceans are our lifeline and key to survival. Covering over 71% of our planet, they provide food, livelihoods, and over 50% of the oxygen we breathe, not to mention recreational opportunities.

 
World Oceans Day is commemorated 8 June each year. However, desertification, ocean acidification, population pressures, marine pollution, illegal fishing and exploitation, agricultural runoff, and climate change may make the “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” unfortunately ring true. (See: “High Cost of Pollution in Life & Money”)

President Obama recently visited Florida’s Everglades National Park (Sea of Grass) to naysay climate-change deniers, address the risk rising seas pose, and to tout the new 2.2 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. (See:  “Been There, Done that ‘Anhinga Trail“)

The ocean helps to regulate the climate. Restoring coastal salt marshes is a barrier to flooding from rising sea levels and serves to promote a healthy ecosystem for flora and fauna. As a footnote of good news to our coastal environment, our visiting swan family has four cygnets who grew to almost duck-size in the past month.

By, Susan Sacirbey
@DiplomaticallyX