Mission

The mission of the San Diego Oceans Foundation is to promote ocean stewardship by leading community-supported projects that enhance the ocean habitat and encourage sustainable use of the oceans resources.

What does this really mean? SDOF recruits and trains community members to assist with our marine programs. These volunteers work at the grass-roots level where they learn new skills and become educated in marine conservation efforts.

Then the magic happens! Our volunteers become ocean stewards and begin personalizing their commitment to the sea. We've hooked them (not literally) and that's how we spread our message of ocean stewardship!

SDOF Established in 1984: The Year of the Ocean

President Ronald Reagan made a proclamation declaring 1984 to be the Year of the Ocean, encouraging Americans to become involved in ocean conservation. San Diego was declared the "point city" and within weeks the San Diego Oceans Foundation was formed to carry out President Reagan's proclamation. To this day, SDOF is still moving forward and serving its original mission of promoting ocean stewardship!

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America Ronald Reagan, 1984

The United States has long depended upon the ocean for food, transportation, national security, and recreation. Today, the ocean has become even more important to the people of our Nation -- as a source of petroleum and minerals and an avenue for foreign trade. In addition, the ocean is a constant source of employment for hundreds of thousands of Americans each year.

This Nation is the steward of the resources of the ocean. Americans have long cherished the freedom of the coastal regions, which border our shores. The ocean is the link between the many countries with which we have shared the discoveries of modern technology in the development of oceanography.

Our increased use of the ocean requires that we work to protect this resource effectively and efficiently. In order to do so, we must educate Americans concerning the role of the ocean in our lives and our responsibility to match increased uses of marine resources with vigilant efforts to preserve the ocean environment for the benefit of future generations. In recognition of the importance of expanding public awareness and knowledge of the importance of the ocean and its resources, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 257, has designated July 1, 1984, to July 1, 1985, as the "Year of the Ocean'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the year July 1, 1984, to July 1, 1985, as the Year of the Ocean. I call upon the people of the United States to observe such celebration with appropriate activities.

Past SDOF Accomplishments

Click here to read about Project Yukon