Recognizing World Ocean Day

Floor Speech

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Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize World Ocean Day, celebrated annually on June 8th. This day offers a valuable opportunity to celebrate our oceans, which are not only a source of immense beauty and wonder but also a vital component of our U.S. economy. As we commemorate this day, I want to emphasize the significance of fishing communities and the necessity of maintaining abundant ocean resources. They are integral to the economic health and sustainability of fishing communities and our Nation.

The fishing and seafood industries plays a significant role in our economy at home in Virginia. In 2022, the Commonwealth of Virginia had 28,729 jobs in the U.S. Seafood Industry, according to the Fisheries Economics of the United States 2022 Report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These jobs resulted in $851,594 in income for Virginians and $3,519,973 in sales, inserting millions of dollars back into our communities.

Fishing communities look different across the United States, but they all depend on healthy ocean ecosystems for their livelihoods. These communities form the backbone of coastal economies, and thriving fisheries help them provide jobs, protect food security, and secure cultural heritage and recreational opportunities for all Americans. The economic impact of the fishing industry is substantial, contributing billions of dollars to the national economy and supporting countless families and businesses.

However, fishing communities face unprecedented challenges on many fronts. Pollution and other environmental challenges threaten the health of marine ecosystems and the sustainability of fish stocks, which in turn directly impacts fishing communities and jeopardizes their way of life and economic stability. At the same time, coastal development and the loss of working waterfronts are also making it more difficult for fishing communities to survive.

To secure the future of our fishing communities and the economic vitality of our oceans, we must prioritize fishing communities and the sustainable fisheries that support them. This includes:

Sustainable Fishing Practices: Implementing management efforts that prevent overfishing and promote the rebuilding of fish populations.

Habitat Protection: Safeguarding critical marine habitats, such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which support a diverse range of marine life, including fish.

Pollution Reduction: Addressing sources of ocean pollution, including plastic waste and chemical runoff, to protect marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

Adaptability to change: Enhancing the resilience of fisheries and coastal communities through adaptive management strategies.

Resilient fishing communities: Preserving working waterfronts and improving the ability for fisheries to avoid and recover from disasters.

In recognition of this year's World Ocean Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our oceans and the communities that depend on them. By working together to conserve marine ecosystems and achieve sustainable fisheries, we can secure a brighter future for our fishing communities and for generations to come.

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