By Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. President, Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education
April 20, 2001
Contact: Scott Rayder
(202) 332-0063 ext. 210
If we were to give relative time on Earth Day to different habitats, we would be talking about the oceans for 18 out of the 24 hours. Nearly three-quarters of the Earth's surface is ocean. Although a costly lesson for many Americans, El Nino taught us that the oceans drive our weather and climate for people everywhere in the Western Hemisphere even if they do not live near an ocean. The oceans are a vital part of our national security, and a critical element in international trade and economic development.