International treaties promise access to the oceans, but responsibility for implementing them lies with the governments of the "transit states".
Endangered salmon that spend most of their lives in the ocean remain the responsibility of NOAA regardless of whether they are at sea or spawning upriver.
From an Australian perspective it may seem reasonable that the largest, most advanced country in the Southern Ocean should assume some responsibility for it.
Every American soldier killed abroad, every house foreclosed on at home, every monster storm from the Gulf of Mexico to the Indian Ocean ultimately becomes his responsibility.
No single body shoulders responsibility for ocean health, and an absence of accountability is characterized by blind exploitation of resources and a willful lack of care.
Surprisingly, I learned more than I expected that afternoon, and Johnny changed the way I see the ocean and my personal responsibility to its delicate system.
Every person who sets foot on the beach or goes in the ocean -- that's our responsibility".
Its Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB) routinely issues marine forecasts, in the form of graphics and high seas forecasts, for this area year round, with the Ocean Prediction Center having backup responsibility for this unit.
Individual responsibility for the oceans?
And because no single nation or authority bears responsibility for the oceans, cleanup and prevention are largely left to nongovernmental organizations.
"With Australia's magnificent natural endowment of unique marine biodiversity comes a responsibility to protect our oceans from the risks of bottom trawling and oil and gas exploration," the foundation's executive director, Don Henry, said in a statement.
