[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 190 (Thursday, November 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2267-E2268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE CONTRIBUTION OF FISHERIES TO 
                             FOOD SECURITY

                                 ______


                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 30, 1995

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, December 4 through December 9, 
1995, the 

[[Page E2268]]
Government of Japan will host an international conference on 
Sustainable Contribution of Fisheries to Food Security in collaboration 
with the Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] of the United Nations. 
This Conference will provide an excellent opportunity for international 
awareness and understanding of the varied economic, social, and 
cultural diversity of the utilization of marine resources throughout 
the world. Delegates representing government and nongovernmental 
organizations will discuss options and strategies to ensure the 
sustainable contribution of fisheries to the world's food security in 
the future.
  While the present food fish production throughout the world is 
approximately 72 million tons, it is projected that the demand for food 
fish will reach 105 million tons in the year 2010, when the world 
population reaches 7 billion. Clearly, nations must initiate measures 
to achieve a sustainable increase in fish production through 
cooperation on rational utilization measures and implementation of 
sound conservation programs. It is clear that those of us living at the 
end of the 20th century have the responsibility to provide a stable 
food supply system and maintain those reasonable resources for present 
and future generations. Living aquatic resources are renewable and can 
provide increased food for human consumption through responsible 
management and appropriate harvest and handling practices. Such a goal 
can be achieved if utilization of these resources is based on objective 
scientific and socio-economic data and principles that recognize and 
respect the importance of culture and traditions, guarantee the 
integrity of ecosystems that support living aquatic food resources, and 
encompass sound management measures through national, and where 
appropriate, multinational management programs.
  I commend the Government of Japan for taking the initiative in 
hosting this important Conference and I wish the delegates to the 
Conference much success in their deliberations. As chairman of the 
Resources Committee of the House of Representatives, I look forward to 
reviewing their observations, conclusions, and recommendations.

                          ____________________