OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

Date: July 23, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Animals and Wildlife


STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - July 23, 2008)

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Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I rise today in support of Senator Boxer's efforts to begin a real dialog on the need for an effective national oceans policy.

The protection of our oceans is a major priority for me. And we have a responsibility to start talking about policy solutions that will work to protect one of our most precious resources our oceans.

In addition to cultural, recreational, and aesthetic values, our oceans provide great economic value and a way of life for millions of people.

In Washington State alone, nearly 80 percent of our gross domestic product, GDP, is produced in our coastal areas. Nationwide, the oceans and coastal areas generate more than $800 billion of trade each year, tens of billions of dollars in recreational opportunities annually, and $30 billion from commercial fisheries. The histories and the economies of coastal communities have, and always will, ebb and flow with the tide.

As such, the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems, and the majestic life they contain, should be a top priority for our Nation.

By introducing the National Ocean Protection Act today, Senator Boxer is taking an important step towards furthering the discussion on the management and protection of our oceans, coastal areas, and Great Lakes ecosystems. I commend my colleague on her efforts.

As chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, I am currently reviewing several ocean governance proposals, but I fully support bringing these important issues into the spotlight of consideration. It is the only way we will come closer to establishing a comprehensive solution that works.

This discussion is much needed and long overdue.

I look forward to continuing this dialog and encourage all of my colleagues to join in moving these matters forward and making a renewed commitment to the protection of our marine waters.

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