Introduction

On January 22, 2025, Secretary of State Rubio issued a press statement on the “priorities and mission of the Second Trump Administration’s Department of State.” In it, he said, “Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?”

We can answer yes for all the work we have done under contract with the federal government, especially internationally.

Yet, Secretary Rubio suspended federal foreign aid, including grants to The Ocean Foundation’s international programs, on January 24, 2025. This action threatens to undermine critical work that advances American interests across multiple domains. I wanted to outline how TOF’s ocean conservation initiatives directly support American security, economic prosperity, and global leadership.

Ocean Science Diplomacy

There is one global ocean that is too interconnected and complex for any single country to monitor, protect, and sustain. Through its international scientific collaborations, The Ocean Foundation is a vital instrument of American soft power. In the Pacific region, TOF facilitates partnerships between American scientists and their counterparts in Japan, South Korea, and Pacific Island nations, maintaining a cooperative U.S. presence in strategically crucial areas. Its evidence-based approach to environmental management helps export American values and practices, strengthening the U.S. leadership in global environmental governance.

Economic and Security Benefits

The U.S. ocean economy contributes over $300 billion annually to the nation’s GDP, spanning sectors from seafood and tourism to shipping and biotechnology. With our partners worldwide, TOF’s work in sustainable fisheries management, marine habitat protection, and ocean acidification solutions helps secure this economic engine. Our research and outreach on the changing chemistry, temperature, and depth also assist military planners in protecting coastal installations and maintaining operational readiness. Monitoring and minimizing the risk of toxic spills from the hundreds of potentially polluting World War II wrecks that dot the Pacific, honor the sacrifice of those lost and protect crucial marine resources.

Food Security and Resilience

Americans consume over 5 billion pounds of seafood annually. TOF’s programs support sustainable fisheries and combat illegal fishing, enhancing food security for Americans worldwide. Our Blue Resilience Initiative helps coastal communities restore critical fish habitat and adapt to changes in the coastal environment, protecting billions in infrastructure and maintaining economic stability in vulnerable regions.

Climate Leadership Strengthens American Power

Climate action through The Ocean Foundation enhances American strength in several ways. By leading on climate resilience and ocean protection, the U.S. maintains its position as a primary shaper of international environmental policy. This leadership role has given America a significant influence in setting global standards and regulations that affect maritime commerce, resource extraction, and coastal development. Furthermore, American expertise in climate adaptation technology and sustainable ocean management creates export opportunities for U.S. businesses while building diplomatic capital with vulnerable coastal nations.

TOF’s climate work also prevents scenarios threatening U.S. interests, such as climate-driven migration, fisheries collapse, or instability in coastal regions. Our programs help maintain stability in strategically important areas by addressing environmental challenges before they become security threats. This proactive approach is more cost-effective than responding to crises after they emerge.

Strategic Engagement: The Pacific Case Study

The Ocean Foundation’s approach in the Pacific Islands region exemplifies how environmental diplomacy can advance conservation and strategic interests. While China increases its presence through infrastructure projects, TOF builds lasting partnerships through marine conservation and climate resilience programs. Our work helps Pacific Island nations protect rich tuna fishing grounds and adapt to climate change, creating goodwill by addressing local needs.

Our community-based programs effectively counter China’s infrastructure-focused engagement, maintaining American influence through scientific collaboration and capacity building. By helping island nations develop sustainable fishing practices and climate adaptation strategies, TOF demonstrates a long-term commitment to regional stability while protecting crucial shipping lanes and maritime territories. American expertise in climate adaptation technology and sustainable ocean management creates export opportunities for U.S. businesses while building diplomatic capital with vulnerable coastal nations.

Conclusion

The Ocean Foundation’s work represents a strategic investment in American prosperity and global leadership. Its programs create a virtuous cycle in which environmental conservation strengthens national security, economic interests, and diplomatic relationships. TOF’s ability to build trusted partnerships through environmental cooperation becomes increasingly valuable as competition for global influence intensifies, particularly in crucial maritime regions. Suspending support for its programs risks undermining these vital American interests and ceding influence to strategic competitors.