Let's cherish this region's amazing richness A diversity of plants, animals, fish, birds, and other creatures make up this region. This ecological richness gives us food and medicine, affects our climate, drives our economy, and much more. This environment is complex. What occurs in one part of the system affects the state of the whole system. When different uses are managed independently from one another, the result is a patchwork of policies, frequent conflict, and no way to ensure conservation in the long run. Changing the way we manage our oceans means changing the way we think about these connections. It means thinking about communities and the ecosystems that sustain them, together. Working together We need to care for the marine ecosystems that sustain us. Let's work together to ensure that ongoing human activities and their impacts are managed in a more integrated manner. Solutions are out there Sustainable fishing practices, based on both science and local ecological knowledge, can keep fish stocks healthy and fishing communities working, well-designed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can contribute to enhancing marine life and diversity, smart market policies can promote responsible consumer behavior, and smart planning and management practices can help mitigate the effects of development on marine ecosystems. An eco-system based approach to management that incorporates area-based management, marine protected areas, best management practices for marine industrial uses, and the precautionary approach will help us better manage our marine resources today and for our children tomorrow. We've explored some solutions here, tell us what you think will help preserve the values of this region. more... See more text