109 HRES 824 IH: Recognizing the effects of harmful algal U.S. House of Representatives 2006-05-19 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 109th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 824 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

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.