MISSION VIEJO, CA and TUSTIN, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Aug 21, 2008 -- Jemal Public Affairs and WunderMarx|PR have been retained by the California State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) to serve as campaign strategists for the California Thank You Ocean campaign. Launched in 2006 in response to Gov. Schwarzenegger's "Ocean Action Plan and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy" report, the campaign is a partnership between the California Resources Agency and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its mission is to educate the public about the importance of sustaining ocean life and inspire Californians to practice ocean stewardship to combat unprecedented threats facing the planet.

Jemal Public Affairs and WunderMarx|PR will work together to develop Thank You Ocean into a comprehensive statewide campaign resulting in increased exposure on radio and television, in print and among social media outlets. In addition, the two companies will seek to obtain campaign funding and establish long-term sustainable opportunities among targeted corporate sponsors, major donors, private foundations, federal appropriations and other sources.

"In addition to playing an essential role in regulating the climate, the ocean produces most of the oxygen we breathe," said Timothy Jemal, founder and chief executive officer, Jemal Public Affairs. "The ocean is indispensable to our planet, contributing to economic growth and supporting the health and welfare of Americans. However, projected impacts of climate change, water pollution, marine debris, ailing ecosystems and declining fisheries have increased the urgency for action. Although there is a lack of public knowledge about the ocean and its problems, Californians support efforts to protect the ocean and are interested in learning more about ways they can help. With the backing of the state and NOAA, Thank You Ocean has the opportunity to educate millions of Californians and implement bold new visions for protecting coastal and ocean resources."

Although the campaign is in its early stages, its call to action is set: "The Ocean takes care of us. Let's return the favor." A public service announcement also is available online at www.thankyouocean.org.

"A strong link exists between the public's understanding of the natural environment and their willingness to protect and preserve natural resources," said Cara Good, CEO, WunderMarx|PR. "With a coastline spanning more than 1,100 miles, California is in a unique position to lead the nation and world in changing human behavior and enacting policy changes that have a lasting impact on ocean life. By gaining exposure for the Thank You Ocean campaign, we will help to increase ocean and coastal awareness and encourage ocean stewardship."

About Jemal Public Affairs

Jemal Public Affairs champions the belief that "every campaign is a cause" by working with nonprofit, government and corporate clients to give a voice to their issues. Its team of strategic consultants specializes in the areas of legislative and political advocacy, strategic communications, coalition building, corporate responsibility and fund development. The firm maintains operations in Orange County, Calif., and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.jemalpublicaffairs.com or call + 1 949-600-7742 or +1 202-263-1120.

About WunderMarx|PR Inc.

WunderMarx|PR helps the companies, people and ideas driving the Innovation Economy make their mark. Recognized as one of the top 15 public relations companies in Orange County, Calif., WunderMarx|PR combines branding, media relations and social media marketing to redefine public relations as a measurable business communications tool. Since 2002, WunderMarx|PR has applied its signature brand of public relations to help clients in the technology, nonprofit, life science, healthcare, public affairs, Web 2.0 and "green and clean" markets achieve their growth goals. Learn more at www.wundermarx.com or call +1 714-862-1112.

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