Sam Farr: “as many of you know, this year has been designated the International Year of the Oceans. I am pleased that so early on…”

“as many of you know, this year has been designated the International Year of the Oceans. I am pleased that so early on in our legislative agenda, we have the chance to vote for something which so positively affects our understanding, and wise management of our ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources. These resources are of great importance not only to our economy and the environment, but to our social and cultural vitality, and even our national security. But we put incredible pressures on these environments. Over half of our population lives in the 10% of land area defined as coastal. We have over-harvested many of the fish and other living resources. We alter the physical environment, filling in wetlands, dredging our harbors, and bulkheading our shorelines. We pollute. We introduce alien species into our ecosystems. We're adding substances to the atmosphere that increase ultraviolet radiation and alter the climate. We are inundated with news of disasters that affect our oceans and coasts, from harmful algal blooms such as the Pfisteria outbreaks this past summer, to medical wastes washing up on our shores. I hope to be standing up in front of you soon to urge your support of the Oceans Act of 1997, H.R. 2547, legislation which I have put together with my colleagues to help ensure that our coasts and oceans are properly taken care of for generations to come.”