On the recordMay 17, 2021
I'm pleased to rise in support of H.R. 2533, The National Estuaries and Acidification Research (NEAR) Act. I want to thank Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and Congressman Brian Mast for working with me to advance this important legislation. I also want to thank the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for their valuable input. The NEAR Act is a national proposal with a very special personal connection. People in my district--the 8th district of Florida-- understand in a very deep way, the economic and environmental importance of the ocean and our estuary--the Indian River Lagoon. This bill focuses on estuaries--those wondrous nurseries and homes for sea life. Unfortunately, the Indian River Lagoon, and other valuable estuaries throughout the country, are being threatened by ocean acidification, along with other stressors. Scientists tell us that when carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, about one third of that carbon dioxide is absorbed by seawater, creating carbonic acid. Shellfish and other marine organisms don't do well in acidic waters. We know that. We have over a decade of research on the impacts of acidification in the open ocean. Unfortunately, we don't have the same kind of knowledge about acidification in estuaries and waters near our shores. We need to deepen our investment in research in our estuaries so we can protect and restore our estuaries and defend our environment and coastal economy.…
