IV 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1519 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 14, 2010 Mr. McDermott (for himself, Mr. Farr, Mr. Larsen of Washington, and Mr. Blumenauer) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources RESOLUTION Congratulating the crew of the Ocean Watch for their remarkable voyage around North and South America and recognizing the importance of ocean and coastal conservation.

Whereas, on May 31, 2009, the crew of the sailing ship Ocean Watch departed from Seattle, Washington, on its Around the Americas voyage, a 28,000 mile journey circumnavigating North and South America with the mission of inspiring, educating, and engaging citizens of North and South America to protect the oceans and coasts; Whereas, on June 17, 2010, after 358 days, the Ocean Watch completed its voyage, having made over 31 port visits along the coasts of North and South America; Whereas the Around the Americas voyage was conceived through the shared vision of David Rockefeller, Jr., and Captain Mark Schrader of Stanwood, Washington, who enlisted the assistance of Sailors for the Sea, a nonprofit organization that encourages sailors to become more active stewards of the world’s oceans; Whereas in conjunction with the Applied Physics Laboratory and Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Oceans at the University of Washington and the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Washington, the crew obtained scientific measurements and data to help enhance educational activities and support the work of several collaborating scientists working on ocean research programs; Whereas Around the Americas seeks to raise awareness of such critical ocean health issues as polar ice melt, coral reef health, ocean acidification, collapsing fisheries, ocean debris and pollution, changing sea levels, and coastal erosion; Whereas Around the Americas has gained local, national, and international media coverage, through which ocean health issues have gained increased awareness; Whereas the United States has vast ocean coastline totaling 12,383 miles shared by 24 States; Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that over 50 percent of the United States population lives in coastal counties; and Whereas the United States depends on the health of its oceans and coasts for a variety of ecological, economic, scientific, nutritional, and recreational benefits: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)congratulates the crew of the Ocean Watch on the completion of their remarkable voyage circumnavigating North and South America with the mission of inspiring, educating, and engaging citizens of North and South America on the importance of protecting the oceans; (2)supports the goals and mission of Around the Americas in raising awareness and educating others about ocean health issues; (3)recognizes the tremendous impact the oceans and coasts have on the United States and a significant portion of its population; (4)encourages all people of the United States to remember the important role its oceans and coasts play and the benefits these natural resources provide; and (5)continues to promote scientific research and educational programs aimed at the preservation of the oceans and coasts of the United States.