BECOME AN OCEAN AMBASSADOR - TAKE THE PLEDGE Protecting the ocean is making a big splash as NOAA kicks off its Ocean Ambassadors program to help everyone from school children to grown-ups to realize that the world's oceans need to be preserved for the next generation. Across the country, students are learning about the importance of the ocean in their lives. NOAA is committed to encouraging young people to help protect the ocean. Through the Ocean Ambassador program, students take "the Ocean Pledge," a resolution to do their part in protecting the ocean from pollution and other ecological problems. Students are encouraged to become role models, passing on their knowledge to family and friends. THE OCEAN AMBASSADOR PLEDGE Because I want to help ensure that the ocean is healthier for future generations, I pledge to: Learn all I can about the ocean, including NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries. Conserve water. Recycle, reduce waste and dispose of trash properly. Be considerate of ocean wildlife. I won't feed sea birds or disturb their nesting grounds. Clean up the beach and leave it better than I found it. Support or join a club that promotes ocean awareness. Pass on my knowledge and encourage my family and friends to protect the ocean. Because I want to help the ocean and all the creatures that live in and around its shores, I pledge today to do these things and I accept the title of Ocean Ambassador. Signed ___________________________ For more information contact Matt Stout (202) 482-6090. YEAR OF THE OCEAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 19 - October 9 Coast Weeks October 13 - 16 APEC Ocean Conference, Honolulu, HI October 6 - November 10 Smithsonian Forum — The Ocean: Earth's Last Frontier November 16 - 19, 1998 Ocean Community Conference '98 - Annual meeting of the Marine Technology Society (MTS), Baltimore, Maryland

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