---

Oil and gas industry majors BP and Shell have joined the growing number of companies from a range of ocean industries to become members of the World Ocean Council (WOC) - the business leadership alliance on corporate ocean responsibility.

“We are committed to meeting the world’s growing energy needs in economically, environmentally and socially responsible ways,” said David Martin, vice president safety, environment and sustainable development for Shell.

"As a company with presence in many of the world’s major oceans, we look forward to sharing good practices for the responsible and sustainable use of our oceans through this alliance,” added Martin.

Dr Liz Rogers, BP Group's VP Environment, Social Responsibility and HSSE Compliance, Safety and Operational Risk, commented: "BP is delighted to be joining WOC to participate in constructive engagement in Ocean Policy and Planning. BP believes that co-operation in marine science is of mutual benefit to all stakeholders and looks forward to playing its role in collaborative stewardship of ocean sustainability."

“The WOC continues to grow as an unprecedented international alliance on ocean stewardship,” noted WOC Executive Director, Paul Holthus.

“We are developing and implementing programs to address ocean stewardship challenges and opportunities facing the ocean business community. For example, the National Business Forum on Marine Spatial Planning will bring together ocean industries to collaborate and engage in the ocean planning efforts underway in the U.S., and ensure responsible economic activity continues to have its place,” added Holthus.