FAQs

What is Ocean Champions?

Ocean Champions, a 501(c)(4) organization, with a connected political action committee Ocean Champions PAC, is the first national organization of its kind focused solely on oceans and ocean wildlife. Our goal is to develop a broad, bipartisan base of supporters from which to cultivate political champions for ocean conservation in the U.S. Congress and in key states. Ultimately, the aim is to create a political environment where protecting and restoring the oceans is a priority of federal and state governments.

Why was Ocean Champions created?

For years, the oceans have enjoyed far too little attention politically and far too few champions in Congress. Much of this has to do with the fact that ocean conservationists have not adequately participated in the political process through effective lobbying and electoral work. The challenges facing America’s oceans have never been greater. Those who care about the oceans are advancing important solutions, yet these efforts will fail without greater political support. Our mission is to change that situation and create a political environment where protecting our oceans is a priority of federal and state governments.

Why create Ocean Champions now?

Our oceans are in peril. The recently published reports by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the independent Pew Oceans Commission, provide compelling evidence that our oceans and their wildlife are in crisis and that immediate political attention is necessary to reverse this situation. The release of these reports, as well as new scientific evidence on the dramatic decline of large ocean fishes and other ocean wildlife, presents an unequaled moment in time to pursue a bold ocean conservation agenda in the halls of Congress. Ocean Champions, by working to cultivate pro-ocean conservation leaders, will help move that agenda forward.

What is the philosophy of Ocean Champions?

The philosophy of Ocean Champions is that ocean users, in concert with traditional ocean conservation organizations, are the key to saving the oceans. We believe that fishermen, divers, surfers, sailors, kayakers, boaters, beachgoers, environmentalists and others who have a direct and passionate connection to the oceans make up a huge constituency that has the power to persuade Congress and state legislatures to take action to protect our oceans. We actively seek to work with all of these groups, as well as traditional ocean conservation organizations, to advance progressive solutions to safeguard our oceans.

What were the accomplishments of 2004?

In 2004, Ocean Champions PAC, a federal political action committee, became the first ocean conservation organization to actively campaign for candidates for federal office. The PAC endorsed and financially supported fourteen candidates for the United States House and Senate (5 Republicans and 9 Democrats), and eleven of those candidates won, including two brand new members.

What role is Ocean Champions playing now?

Ocean Champions is playing a unique and leading role in reshaping the relationship of the ocean conservation community with Congress. Ocean Champions 501(c)(4) is building on the momentum of 2004 by actively lobbying newly elected and other key members of Congress to adopt the recommendations of the Pew Oceans Commission and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.