Silk organza, rayon-silk devoré, glass pebbles, polyester thread

Our oceans and rivers have been harnessed for mining, oil drilling, agriculture, flood control and urban growth. There’s no question that this water has been a driving force for our economy. The challenge lies in balancing the development of these resources to meet human needs with their role in maintaining ecosystem health for wildlife and humans alike.

The United States controls the waters stretching out to 200 nautical miles from its shores, a marine expanse as large as the total land area of all 50 states and we have acquired nearly all of the 194,000 miles of rivers, streams and creeks in California for human use. Only 1% of the oceans and rivers are permanently protected from resource extraction and imprudent development.

These waters are the arteries of our nation, providing the life blood for social, economic and natural life. They belong to every life form on the planet and we can create a sustainable future by using them in a balanced way.