[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           OCEANS ACT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2000

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today in supporting 
the passage of S. 2327, the Oceans Act. We have an excellent 
opportunity to initiate a major review of ocean policies in this Nation 
and to take action to improve our understanding of ocean systems and 
the ocean environment as a whole.
  As a coastal member and co-chair of the Coastal Caucus, I've always 
been supportive of protecting our oceans and coasts and realize the 
tremendous benefits they offer all Americans. Our oceans provide us 
with jobs, food, recreational as well as educational opportunities, 
medicine, and transportation. Our oceans also play an important role in 
determining climate.
  But all is not well with our oceans. Today, more than half of all 265 
million Americans live within 50 miles of our shores. This has put 
tremendous pressure on our estuaries, coastal zone, and near and 
offshore areas. In 1998, over 2,500 health advisories were issued 
against the consumption of contaminated fish. In 1998, over 7,000 beach 
closings or warnings were issued due to pollution. Harmful algal 
blooms, like red tides and pfiesteria, have been responsible for over 
$1 million in economic damages over the last decade. A 1997 National 
Marine Fisheries Service report to Congress stated that of the 
federally managed species for which sufficient data was available, 31% 
are ``overfished.'' The list goes on and on.
  S. 2327 attempts to rectify some of these problems by establishing a 
Commission on Ocean Policy. This Commission, which is similar to the 
original Stratton Commission of the late 1960's, will report to 
Congress and the President policy recommendations for improvements with 
respect to our oceans, ultimately resulting in a coordinated National 
Ocean Policy.
  In closing Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to vote in favor of this 
legislation so that we can go to conference and have it signed into law 
before the end of the session. Cast a vote for our Oceans! Vote yes on 
the Oceans Act!

                          ____________________