About the Author: Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.

On March 18, 2013, Secretary of State John Kerry spoke to a packed room of diplomats from around the globe, non-governmental conservation advocates, and others about the urgency of protecting our vast oceans. New Zealand Ambassador to the United States Mike Moore and Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr, two good friends of the United States and of oceans, joined the Secretary on the podium at this important event.

The Secretary spoke passionately about our connection and responsibility to the oceans as a people and a nation, and how ocean acidification, pollution, and fishing pressure are challenging our ability to sustain the sea and the benefits it provides to us all. You can read and watch his full remarks here.

These threats to the oceans are why the United States… more »

About the Author: Ambassador Kathleen Stephens serves as Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

One of my favorite things to do in Washington is to visit a Smithsonian Museum. Today, I was lucky enough to visit the Sant Ocean Hall at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History where, in my official capacity, we celebrated the launch of our Amazing Ocean Mobile App.

This app, a collaborative venture between the State Department and the Smithsonian Institution, brings the mysteries and beauties of that ocean exhibition to people around the world — with just a touch of their screens. It is available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Bahasa Indonesian. And we piloted it last month in our… more »