[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING EDWARD R. CASSANO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2000

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant 
Commander Edward R. Cassano, who has served as Manager of the Channel 
Islands National Marine Sanctuary for the last four years.
  Ed will be stepping down from his post at the Sanctuary next week, 
but he will not be leaving his passion for the ocean. Ed will assume 
the role of Executive Director at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.
  Ed's commitment to our oceans and coastal resources is second to 
none. Throughout his tenure as Sanctuary Manager, Ed has led efforts to 
broaden the role and increase awareness of the National Marine 
Sanctuary Program and it is for this reason that I have been proud to 
support our Sanctuary Program here in the House.
  One of the things Ed is best known for is his ability to bring people 
together and create partnerships. For example: the Marine Educators' 
Regional Alliance represents over 30 organizations concerned with 
marine education; the Research Activity Panel representing over 25 
marine institutions that join together to identify research needs in 
the Sanctuary; and the Sanctuary Advisory Council which brings together 
community organization and local, state, and Federal agencies to ensure 
public input for the Sanctuary Program. All of these were formed under 
Ed's leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, last month the California Coastal Commission passed a 
Resolution honoring Ed for his dedication and outstanding contribution 
to the State of California and the National Marine Sanctuary Program. 
This Resolution states that Ed's work is a proud legacy that has 
significantly improved the quality of life for the people of California 
and the Nation. I couldn't agree more and I am truly honored to be Ed's 
Representative in Congress, and more importantly, his friend. I know 
that his leadership on marine and coastal issues will continue.

                          ____________________