[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 63 (Monday, May 18, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5028-S5029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              NAT BINGHAM

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I wish today to acknowledge the 
life and passing of a special man. Nat Bingham was many things: a 
fisherman, a conservationist, an advocate, an innovator, a husband, a 
father and a friend to anyone who cares about California's magnificent 
coastal environment and the lives it supports and sustains. By all 
accounts he was a person of great decency and conviction. He cared 
deeply for his profession and all those who heed its honorable call. He 
will be missed.
  Nat and his wife Kathy made their home in Mendocino County on 
California's rugged North Coast. Tragically, Kathy died just two weeks 
before Nat. They are survived by their two children, Jolene and Eli. My 
heart goes out to them both.
  Nat first became involved with fisheries management issues through 
his local Salmon Trollers Marketing Association. He served in a number 
of capacities with the Association before becoming its representative 
to the Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman's

[[Page S5029]]

Associations (PCFFA). On the PCFFA's board, and eventually as its 
president, he worked tirelessly on issues of habitat and species 
protection, preservation and restoration.
  After stepping down from the PCFFA's board, Nat eventually sold his 
boat and went to work full-time on salmon restoration and fish habitat 
issues.
  It is no exaggeration to say that Nat Bingham was involved with 
almost every major fisheries issue in California over the last 20 
years. Over the course of his career, Nat achieved a near universal 
reputation for fairness, independence and results. Is he is not a 
legend already, it is certain he will become one.
  I had great personal respect for Nat Bingham. Just before his death, 
I offered my strong support for his re-appointment to the federal 
government's Pacific Fishery Management Council. Nat was ideally suited 
for this important position. For his sake and the country's sake, I 
regret very much that he was denied the opportunity to continue his 
valuable service.
  The people who knew him best describe Nat as a gentle, good and moral 
man. He was passionate about what he believed in, but regardless of the 
issues at stake he never failed to treat others with a genuine dignity 
and respect. In my opinion this is one of the true tests of a leader, 
and it is one of the principal reasons why he will be so dearly missed. 
Though his life's work should continue on in the efforts of his 
fellows, Nat Bingham's spirit and dedication can never be 
replaced.

                          ____________________