North American Marine Environment Protection Association

Guardians,
Over the last several years the Coast Guard has developed a close working relationship with NAMEPA, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association. I recently asked Carleen Lyden-Kluss, a co-founder to guest blog and her post is provided below. NAMEPA was a critical partner in our very successful World Maritime Day event in New York in October. You will enjoy the work of Kevin Lopez.

ADM A

Thank you for suggesting inclusion of information on NAMEPA in your blog. We greatly appreciate your attention to the organization, which is leading the effort to "Save our Seas".

To summarize:

NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) is a non-profit organization which was formed two years ago as a marine industry-led effort to "Save our Seas". Its mission is to educate seafarers, port communities and students on marine environment protection. Specifically, NAMEPA has the goal of informing maritime practitioners and the wider public and school communities about the critical importance of the world?s oceans to mankind and the maritime industry?s role and actions to preserve it.

Through its strategic alliances with port chaplains, industry, and marine interests, NAMEPA reaches seafarers and port communities in most ports in North America. Additionally, NAMEPA connects with children with the message of protecting the marine environment through its children?s drawing contest. This year's winner, Kevin Lopez, gave marine life a voice to protest man's negligence of the seas (see attached poster -- /NAMEPA%20Poster%20winner-Lopez.pdf.

NAMEPA has also created and distributed a Marine Debris Poster spotlighting the duration of our litter (also attached--/Marine%20Debris%20Poster-final.pdf). This message has been sent throughout North America, and been requested by organizations in Chile, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

NAMEPA is also engaged in convening industry events to explore strategies for improving our marine environment. Through National and World Maritime Day events, as well as response simulations, the message of improving our protection and practices is promoted. Most recently, NAMEPA worked in collaboration with the USCG and IMO to produce the 2009 World Maritime Day Parallel Event in New York City, where the topic was Climate Change. Other activities include wreck oil removal initiatives, emissions strategies, and collaboration with marine sanctuary and conservation efforts.

NAMEPA has over 80 industry members, and numerous strategic alliances with industry groups. It has become a voice for environmental vigilance and stewardship of our oceans, seas and rivers.

Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to seeing it on your blog!!

Best always,

Carleen Lyden-Kluss, Co-Founder and Executive Director

NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association)