Comment submitted by D. Smith-Berlin

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for taking a leadership role on the issue of ocean acidification. I realize the issue is a tough one and that there is no way that we can influence ocean acidification as a whole given the global expanse of the oceans; but it is important that we at least address our role in this ongoing crisis and I support the EPA's efforts to address the problem. Even though the problem of ocean acidification is global in scope, it has to be addressed on a local level. We do not have an effective means of addressing these problems internationally so it is up to each country to do their part to protect marine ecosystems and the life within them. I believe that their is plenty of incentive each and every country to do so. I am deeply concerned for our oceans. I love the sound, smell and feel of the ocean and deeply value marine life. I am SCUBA certified and cannot adequately describe the beauty and peacefulness of this unique environment. I also know the value of the ocean as a food source and a revenue source for many of our coastal states. Ocean acidification is one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems and will fundamentally change our oceans. I fear that our ocean ecosystems will not be able to adapt quickly enough to these changes; especially the coral reefs that are the nurseries of our oceans. We cannot afford to allow this to happen. We must act now as a country to do our part to protect our oceans. Scientists tell us that we need to stabilize atmospheric carbon dioxide below 350 parts per million to avoid species extinctions on land and in the sea. If we let this happen, we will not be able to fix it on any type of a practical time scale. We will allow one more destruction that our children and grandchildren will have live with and attempt to fix. It is critical that the EPA take steps to prevent this from happening. Please use your authority under the Clean Water Act to protect our oceans. We cannot change this on a global scale, but we can do our part as a nation and set an example for other countries to follow. It would be wonderful to be able to proudly say that our country cares and that we are doing our part and encourage others to follow our lead. Sincerely, Debra Smith-Berlin Sperry, OK