[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 49 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CHESAPEAKE BAY OFFICE OF NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC 
                      ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 3, 2001

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 642, a bill 
to re-authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 
(NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Estuarine Resources Office.
  This bill, which I am proud to be a co-sponsor of, will undertake two 
new activities that I think will further improve the condition of the 
Chesapeake Bay. First, it provides $6 Million a year through 2006 for a 
small watershed grant program. This program will make it possible for 
local governments and environmental organizations, like the Chesapeake 
Bay Foundation, to undertake locally led restoration projects. They can 
use this money for such things as oyster and sea grass restoration 
projects, the creation of artificial reefs, and the improvement of fish 
passageways.
  Second, it requires NOAA, in cooperation with State resource agencies 
and the scientific community to undertake a five year study to develop 
a multi-species management strategy. Let me give you an example of one 
of things they will investigate. Recently we have seen rockfish 
population, that was once on the brink of collapse, return. That is 
good news for the Bay and the watermen who now able to again fish for 
rockfish. The bad news is that the return of the rockfish may be a 
contributing factor to the decline of the blue crab stocks in the 
Chesapeake Bay.
  The rockfish is a voracious predator that feeds on blue crab 
hatchlings. These hatchlings, who often lack sufficient habitat due to 
a loss of sea grass, are easy prey and are not surviving to breeding 
age. As we work to restore the Bay we need to develop a strategy that 
preserve and protect the delicate balance of this ecosystem. This study 
will give us the baseline information we need to rehabilitate one 
species without harming another.
  The preservation of the Chesapeake Bay is a crucial investment that 
benefits all Americans. My thanks go to Mr. Gilchrest, Mr. Cardin, Mrs. 
Morella, Mr. Cummings, and Mr. Wynn for their leadership on this issue.

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