Rationale
The Pacific Ocean stretches from the Southern Ocean to the Arctic Ocean. It contains more than half of all the free-flowing water on the planet and covers more than one third of the earth’s surface. The actions of all nations in the Pacific Basin affect each other, as our ocean, is one ocean. Our lives are entwined and depend upon the sea. An unhealthy ocean is detrimental to the wellbeing of all the Pacific Basic nations, environmentally, socially, culturally and economically.

The Pacific Ocean is a region that contains the greatest biological diversity on the planet and sustains the lives of people who inhabit the region. Oceans are under assault as never before in history. From global warming to over-fishing the oceans can no longer support the demands of a rapidly growing world population. The care of the Pacific Ocean is the responsibility of all people. Marine education is a mechanism for improving understanding, attitudes and action for conservation and sustainable use of the Pacific Ocean. It is through education that wise use and conservation of the Pacific can occur.