[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 824 Introduced in House (IH)]








109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 824

Recognizing the effects of harmful algal blooms, including Red Tide, on 
                the environment, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 19, 2006

Ms. Harris (for herself, Mr. Mack, Mr. Putnam, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Foley, 
    and Ms. Bordallo) submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee 
    on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the 
  Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall 
           within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the effects of harmful algal blooms, including Red Tide, on 
                the environment, and for other purposes.

Whereas a harmful algal bloom (``HAB'') is a condition that occurs in ocean 
        waters when a significantly large and highly concentrated growth of 
        phytoplankton or algae produces biotoxins or otherwise causes negative 
        effects;
Whereas a HAB event, commonly known as Red Tide, occurs when appropriate ocean 
        conditions allow for massive overgrowth of reddish-brown phytoplankton, 
        causing the phytoplankton to bloom and discolor the water;
Whereas HABs commonly occur in waters off the East and West Coasts of the United 
        States, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico and in the waters surrounding 
        the offshore territories of the United States;
Whereas shellfish such as clams, mussels, and oysters feed upon the toxic 
        phytoplankton associated with HABs, and then accumulate and concentrate 
        the biotoxins, rendering these shellfish extremely toxic to the mammals 
        and sea birds that consume them;
Whereas HABs cause dangerous respiratory distress, burning eyes, and other 
        ailments to individuals in affected areas, as well as the nationwide 
        potential of severe food poisoning from the consumption of contaminated 
        shellfish;
Whereas HABs cause the deaths of hundreds of marine mammals and countless 
        numbers of fish and other marine life;
Whereas HABs cause significant economic harm to individuals and businesses 
        engaged in fishing and shellfishing, as well as to communities and 
        businesses that suffer from the inability of individuals to use and 
        enjoy coastal areas and their resources; and
Whereas at this time, because HABs are affected by many variables, including 
        weather and currents, it is impossible to predict the location, timing, 
        or duration of HABs, and further study is needed to understand how these 
        variables, as well as other environmental factors, may cause or 
        contribute to the formation or maintenance of HABs: Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the effects of harmful algal blooms, 
        including Red Tide, on the environment;
            (2) commends public and private organizations that are 
        researching the ongoing problem of harmful algal blooms;
            (3) recognizes the need for Federal, State, territorial, 
        and local agencies and other research institutions to work 
        together toward a solution to the increasing problems facing 
        coastal areas from harmful algal blooms; and
            (4) expresses its sense that Federal, State, territorial, 
        and local agencies should increase research on harmful algal 
        blooms in order to understand and minimize the environmental 
        effects contributing to the formation and maintenance of 
        harmful algal blooms.
                                 <all>