I don't love waking up at 5am, unless its for a dawn patrol surf session or to do some serious advocacy on behalf of our Oceans.  This Wednesday, my colleagues and I were all up well before the dawn to travel to Sacramento to host California Oceans Day 2009.  By all counts it was a major success, raising awareness about the many problems our oceans face, and the many creative solutions to addressing these challenges! 

NRDC, Environment California, the Ocean Conservancy, Heal the Bay, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Surfrider Foundation organized this full day of education and advocacy for legislators, government officials, and the public. 

Throughout the day, 40 advocates and scientists visited the offices of 49 California Senators and Assembly Members.  We talked to law makers about ocean acidification and other ocean impacts of climate change, marine debris, and marine protected areas.  We emphasized that action is urgently needed to protect and improve the health of our oceans.

We capped the day off with a packed and fun-filled Ocean Appreciation Reception.  The evening event featured a musical performance by Lukas Nelson, an informational talk by Jean-Michel Cousteau, and presentation of awards to Ocean Heroes: Senator Fran Pavley; Jonathan Bishop (Chief Deputy Director of the California State Water Resources Control Board); and a fantastic California-based company, Klean Kanteen.  Finally, the hundreds of kids, teachers, leaders, and ocean lovers who packed the Esquire IMAX Theatre enjoyed a special screening of the Under the Sea 3D.

It was a great day for our Oceans!