SWIM FOR A HEALTHY WORLD 1000+ MILES FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

We Are Facing Two HUGE Environmental Problems:

1. Global Climate Change

Problem: We are burning Fossil Fuels Like Coal, Oil, and Gasoline. Unhelpful Effects: When we burn these fuels, they release gases that surround the planet like a blanket, and heat it up. When the ocean absorbs CO2 it becomes more acidic and the marine web of life is threatened.

Solution: Switch to Clean, Renewable Sources of Energy

Measuring Climate Change Effects in the Ocean Sampling of sea surface pH reveals ocean turning acidic Measured sea surface temperatures are higher than historical average

2. Threats to Biodiversity and the Web of Life

Problem: We are trashing the land, water, and air We are causing species to go extinct

SOLUTION: Stop trashing the planet Start taking better care of the life around us.

One Way To Stop Shark Finning The Shark Conservation Act of 2009 (S. 850) aims to end shark finning in U.S. waters once and for all. The act would require that all "landed" shark fins--those found on fishing boats for example--be naturally attached to sharks. This bill has already passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate. Senator John Kerry [D, MA] is a lead sponsor of this bill. Please take a moment to call (202-224-2742), or fax (202-224-8525) Senator Kerry. Let the him know that you support the Shark Conservation Act of 2009 (S. 850), and would like to see it come to the Senate floor for a vote.

Swim Statistics As of 11/19/2009: Covered 85+ miles over 36 days in the water Made presentations to 10,000+ students Reached over 50,000 people social media like twitter, facebook, and changents. Recycled over 100,000 pounds of used electronics Received millions of media impressions through stories on the BBC, NPR, and Associated Press.