Marine
Pollution
Judy Antes, Lee Elementary,
Jackson, MS
Jennifer Mueller, Slidell, LA
Cynthia Williams, Salmen High, Slidell,
LA
Patricia Flanagan, Mandeville Middle
School, Mandeville, LA
1998 COAST
Participants
Ocean Springs, MS
The oceans are one
of the earthís most significant resources. The global ocean
affects the health and safety of the world by providing food, recreation,
local weather
amelioration, and global climate stabilization. The boundary-less ocean
is mankindís
great responsibility. The ocean, by its size and extent, cannot rely on
one political
entity or another to preserve its health. Waters originating in the Caribbean
Sea wash
the shores of Ireland. Ships from countries as far away as Japan fish the
Atlantic
Ocean currents.
Our treatment of the ocean will affect our quality of life in the next
century.
Predictions say that 75% of the U.S. population will live, work, or play
along ocean
coasts by the year 2015. Coastal environments will be called upon to absorb
more
human activities and wastes, and give up more of its fish and shellfish
for a growing
population. This trend is not limited to the U.S. and other developed countries.
Developing countries are more and more utilizing their coastal areas for
recreation
and tourism, putting new stresses on the oceans.