Dear Friend,

As you know, elections matter, and electing ocean champions is the only way to enact strong ocean conservation policies and to repel the truly bad ones. It’s clear today that our oceans need this political muscle to survive and thrive.

Well, when you need strong champions, there’s no one better to call than Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA) and Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA), two true heroes of the ocean conservation community. Today, on the eve of World Ocean Day, we are proud to announce our endorsement for Congresswoman Capps and Congressman Farr once again!

Congresswoman Capps leads on practically every ocean health issue - from fisheries to marine mammals and from coastal water quality to offshore drilling. She’s passed bills to protect sensitive coastal habitat and to improve our understanding of the ocean, and while she’s been voted Congress’s “nicest” Member, she’s tough as nails when it comes to ocean issues. For years, Congresswoman Capps has fought for the oceans and for all of us. Now, we need to fight for her, as California’s redistricting has left her with a very tough election. Ocean Champions is hosting an event for the Congresswoman tonight. If you can’t make it, you can still donate directly to her campaign through this ocean event by using this link.  Said Congresswoman Capps, "Ocean Champions are just that - champions for one of the most important resources we have.  Their work is critical to protect this vital resource that means so much to our economy and overall health of our planet.  I'm honored to have the support of Ocean Champions and look forward to continue working together to protect our oceans."

Congressman Farr has pushed the envelope on ocean conservation for years. He introduced and fought hard for Oceans 21, which laid the groundwork for the President’s National Ocean Policy, and the annual fund for ocean conservation projects embodied by the National Endowment for the Oceans. He has protected sea otters, turtles and sharks, and has fought to repel expanded offshore oil drilling. Recently, Congressman Farr has pitched valiant floor battles to protect the National Ocean Policy as well as sustainable fisheries policies, and against all odds, he was able to restore nearly $50 million to NOAA’s oceans budget in 2011.  He's also addressing ocean garbage, and his Marine Debris bill will get a committee markup next Tuesday.

At Ocean Champions, we’re privileged to get to work with these great champions, and we’re excited to fight for their electoral victory once again in 2012!

For the Oceans,

David Wilmot, Ph.D. President and Co-Founder	Mike Dunmyer Executive Director

P.S. Help us fight for Congresswoman Capps and Congressman Farr by donating to Ocean Champions today.