[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  LEGISLATION TO MODIFY BOUNDARIES OF FLOWER GARDENS NATIONAL MARINE 
                               SANCTUARY

                                 ______


                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 23, 1994

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation which 
will modify the boundaries of the Flower Gardens National Marine 
Sanctuary.
  The Flower Gardens Sanctuary was established by Congress in 1992 and 
has been a model in the National Marine Sanctuary Program which is 
administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 
The sanctuary is located 120 miles off of the Texas coast, and protects 
the northern-most living coral reefs on the U.S. continental shelf. The 
Flower Gardens Sanctuary protects two discrete areas encompassing 47.1 
square miles which are used by sport divers, fishermen, and 
researchers.
  The bill I introduce today will add a small, nearby bank to the 
Flower Gardens Bank Sanctuary. The area, known as Stetson Bank, is 
known for its spectacular array of fish and invertebrates and is a 
common destination for scuba divers. Damage to the bank due to 
anchoring and depletion of resources through shell collecting and 
spearfishing has led scientists and sport divers to call for inclusion 
of the bank within the Flower Gardens Sanctuary. The proposed 
legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to modify sanctuary 
boundaries and regulations to include Stetson Bank, and to provide 
public notice in the Federal Register.
  Mr. Speaker, this small but important area is a valuable marine 
resource and warrants protection as part of the Flower Gardens National 
Marine Sanctuary. I urge you and the other Members of the House to 
support this bill.

                          ____________________