Kathy Castor: “Estuaries are deeply connected to our Nation's economy and vital to a healthy environment. They are an integral part of…”

“Estuaries are deeply connected to our Nation's economy and vital to a healthy environment. They are an integral part of our coastal ecosystems and support not only wildlife but also human livelihoods. In these unique habitats, ecological resources and millions of jobs in tourism, fishing and other coastal industries intersect. Estuaries have given rise to iconic port cities central to our culture, and they remain the refuge of unique species that define our environment. It is this balance that makes estuaries one of the most important ecosystems in the United States, one worth recognizing as we do here with House Resolution 1503. Estuary regions contain 43 percent of the population, 49 percent of the economic output while occupying only 13 percent of the U.S. continental land area. As coastal regions continue to further experience development, it is important to maintain this balance between economic prosperity and ecological health. The BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico calls attention to this delicate balance between maintaining our quality of life and sustaining our precious natural resources.”