[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 81 (Thursday, June 23, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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

 
             INTRODUCTION OF THE GULF OF MAINE ACT OF 1994

  (Mr. ANDREWS of Maine asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. ANDREWS of Maine. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to introduce the 
Gulf of Maine Act of 1994, legislation that seeks to protect the future 
of this vital resource.
  The Gulf of Maine is in trouble. We can see it in the crises facing 
Maine fishermen and women, with dwindling groundfish stocks, the 
contamination of sensitive wetlands, and the threat to a way of life 
for millions who depend on the Gulf of Maine for recreation and 
economic opportunities.
  For too long our approach to saving this resource has been fragmented 
among various Federal agencies, States, provinces, businesses, and 
environmental and citizens groups who have a stake in its future. For 
too long the left hand of government has not known what the right hand 
is doing in dealing with the challenge before us.
  Groundfish stocks will not be restored by limiting access to fishing 
if pollution continues to contaminate coastal waters. The Gulf of Maine 
Act of 1994 will assure that this precious resource is viewed as a 
whole, and that actions to protect it are taken as a whole. It focuses 
on four key areas--marine research, fisheries management, economic 
development, and environmental management. Action in these areas will 
be coordinated by the Gulf of Maine Council made up of representatives 
of each of the Gulf of Maine States and Canadian Provinces, with the 
involvement of a full range of groups and individuals and interests 
with a stake in the future of the Gulf of Maine.
  This legislation is the result of the vision and hard work of a 
number of concerned people. Chief among them is George Mitchell, who 
will introduce this bill in the Senate.
  Mr. Speaker, the Gulf of Maine has been a vital resource for millions 
and millions of people for generations. It is time to do what needs to 
be done to make sure it is a vital resource for future generations.

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