Ted Danson, our favorite Cheers alum and founder of the American Oceans Campaign, is dedicated to “saving our oceans." His journey as an ocean activist started in 1987, when he founded the AOC to alert Americans of the threats and hazards created by oils spills, off-shore development, toxic wastes, sewage pollution and other ocean abuses.

Oceans cover an overwhelming 71 percent of the globe. Not only do they control our climate; they are a primary source of protein for 1 billion people around the world and drive our economies.

Scientists believe our oceans will face a bleak future if nothing is done. Large-scale industrial fishing takes too much ocean wildlife from the water; land-based industries, meanwhile, put too many pollutants back in; and the laws meant to check this destruction are ignored or selectively enforced. Scientific studies show the results: declining fisheries, destruction of marine habitat, pollution of coastal waters and poisoning of seafood.

In 2001, AOC merged with Oceana, an international ocean environmental advocacy group dedicated to protecting and restoring the world's oceans. Ted currently serves as a member of Oceana’s Board of Directors. Actress Amber Valletta, also a member of the organization, is involved with Oceana's campaign to stop mercury contamination.

Check out what she has to say about saving our oceans:

Want to Do Something to protect our oceans? Help stop mercury pollution by writing a letter to your representative in support of banning mercury at chlorine plants! Get more info and ideas on how to take action at Oceana's website!