[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE IMPORTANCE OF GUAM'S CORAL REEFS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 1997

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased that last month the House 
adopted House Concurrent Resolution 8, a resolution declaring the 
importance of maintaining the health and stability of coral reef 
ecosystems. On Guam, and throughout the Western Pacific, the importance 
of coral reefs is woven into almost every aspect of our lives. Healthy 
coral reefs are vital to our economy which is largely driven by our 
tourist industry, but they are also an important part of our island 
culture. Our reefs also serve as natural protection to our coastline 
from high waves, storm surges, and coastal erosion especially during 
typhoons and tsunamis. As is the case with most of the coral reef 
ecosystems in the world, Guam reefs are being threatened by a variety 
of enemies. Guam's reefs are being especially threatened by sewage 
outfalls, runoff, sediment, silt, and environmental stress from an 
increasing number of visitors.
  Governor Gutierrez recently took action to preserve and protect this 
fragile ecosystem so central to both our culture and economy through 
the enactment of the Guam Coral Reef Initiative and signing the 
island's first marine life restoration bill passed by the Twenty-Fourth 
Guam Legislature. This new law will also have a significant impact on 
the life of our coral reef by setting aside designated reef preserves 
to allow various marine species to repopulate. Limits on the harvesting 
of fish and restrictions on fishing methods will also create a more 
healthy environment in which our reef can thrive.
  The Guam Coral Reef Initiative ordered by the Governor is a 
comprehensive conservation and management plan for Guam's coral reef 
ecosystem including our mangroves and sea-grass beds. This initiative 
seeks to bring together all of the stakeholders in Guam's coral reefs 
to coordinate solutions which take into account the wide variety of 
direct and indirect threats to our reefs. Education will also be a 
strong component of this initiative. Residents and especially visitors 
need to be educated about the importance of the reefs as well as how to 
take proper care of this fragile ecosystem.
  In addition to establishing a process to improve the health of Guam's 
coral reefs, this initiative includes a monitoring and research 
element. In fact, the University of Guam's Marine Lab and the Guam 
Department of Agriculture held training sessions last week to teach the 
public how to help conduct reef surveys. These surveys will serve as a 
baseline from which researchers can compare future reef health.
  The people of Guam have traditionally been exceptional stewards of 
our environment. These two actions again prove that the people of Guam, 
not the Federal Government, are the best stewards of our environment. 
Through this effort, Guam continues to stand as an example of local 
solutions to local problems.

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