[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E958-E959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NAT BINGHAM, PACIFIC COAST VOYAGER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 1998

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, recently, I received the news that Nat 
Bingham, Habitat Director for the Pacific Coast Federation of 
Fishermen's Associations, had died in his Fort Bragg home. The loss of 
his life is a great loss for the many friends who knew and worked with 
Nat to protect threatened and endangered fisheries along our Pacific 
Coast. Nat's enthusiasm for his life's work was inspiring to all of us.
  Nat was a most unusual human being. He was a fisherman who believed 
in sustainable fishing. Protecting fisheries from depletion

[[Page E959]]

were goals that led Nat to develop a program to restore winter run 
chinook salmon at a time when there was little awareness of what their 
loss in the wild might mean. Many times, I've heard Nat use the phrase: 
``This is a biological insurance program.''
  Nat was a bridge across troubled waters. He confronted forceful 
opposition in his work and he always responded with grace, goodwill and 
solid science to support his positions. His ability to bring harmony 
out of discord was well known. Anyone who is aware of the Pacific Coast 
salmon decline also realizes that there are no simple solutions to the 
complex problems facing a number of salmon species in our region. Nat 
always had a way of emphasizing the positive and seeking solutions that 
would nurture and sustain the resource he devoted his life to 
protecting.
  We will always remember Nat--the sight of his tall figure entering 
the office--completely relaxed and always with a smile, and his 
indefatigable nature and lasting commitment to protecting Pacific Coast 
fisheries. My condolences to Nat's family--his son, Eli, and his 
daughter, Jalena--and to Nat's many good friends--Zeke Grader, Norman 
deVall, members of the Fleet--and scores of others who knew, respected 
and loved Nat Bingham.
  In the tradition of his family, Nat was an explorer; his great 
grandfather, Hiram Bingham, discovered Machu Picchu. We were fortunate 
to have been on the same journey with this special man. Our best 
memorial to Nat will be realized in following through with his 
initiatives to encourage sustainable fishing and to restore Pacific 
Coast fisheries. It is up to us now to continue Nat's voyage and to 
bring success to his efforts.

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