Mr. Speaker, today, Oceans Day, we celebrate our oceans, the source of life on our planet. First declared in Rio, Oceans Day inspires and challenges us to become caretakers of our ocean environment.
Oceans supply the world's people with more animal protein than any other source. The sea has given us anti-leukemia drugs from sea sponges, bone graft materials from coral, and diagnostic chemicals from red algae. The ocean is the economic lifeline for coastal communities and fish workers by the millions.
For this reason we must keep in mind that human activities have a direct impact on coastal waters. For example, activities which take place inland account for nearly 80 per cent of marine pollution. Inshore dams can cause declining coastal fisheries. Oil spills from ships are to be prevented.
For all these reasons we need to protect and appreciate our oceans.