[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2002

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 
3389, the National Sea Grant College Program Act of 2002. This 
important legislation reauthorizes the sea grant program in Texas and 
its counterparts around the country to continue the important work 
being done in coastal, ocean and lake resources.
  When Congress passed the Sea Grant College Program Act of 1966, it 
intended to apply the successful attributes of the Land Grant College 
Program to coastal and marine issues. Today, the National Sea Grant 
Program represents the bridge between government, academia, industry, 
scientists and private citizens to help Americans understand and 
maintain the oceans and Great Lakes for long-term economic growth.
  Sea Grant also serves as a bond uniting more than 350 participating 
institutions in 35 states, U.S. territories and the District of 
Columbia and millions of people. In short, Sea Grant is an agent for 
scientific discovery, technology transfer, economic growth and public 
education as they involve coastal, ocean and Great Lakes resources.
  Every day, Sea Grant scientists make progress on the important marine 
issues of our time. A network of outreach professionals takes this 
information out of the laboratory and into the field, working to 
enhance a coastal business, a fishery, or residents' safety and quality 
of life.
  A dedicated corps of communication specialists builds public 
understanding of these issues for informed decision-making. Sea Grant 
educators bring the discoveries into the nation's schools, using them 
to pioneer better ways of teaching, helping to create a new generation 
of scientifically literate Americans.
  Through these research, education and outreach activities, Sea Grant 
has helped position the United States as the world leader in marine 
research and the sustainable development of coastal resources.
  Texas A&M University of Galveston, Texas was among the first four 
institutions to be designated a Sea Grant College in 1971, and its 
researchers had been involved since passage of the National Sea Grant 
College and Program Act in 1968.
  As a Sea Grant College, Texas A&M Galveston provides research support 
for university-level faculty throughout the state through a competitive 
grants process.
  In Texas, the Sea Grant program has conducted research in hyperbaric 
physiology, endangered species ecology, marine aquaculture, coastal 
processes, fisheries biology and ecosystem health.
  As a result of these and other Sea Grant efforts, we have seen 
development of a major shrimp aquaculture industry in South Texas, 
marina initiatives to adopt best management practices and minimize 
water pollution, non-point source pollution reduction from residential 
landscapes, improvements in seafood handling to reduced loss in the 
retail markets and expanding marine educational opportunities in 
support of the state's, and nation's, teachers and students.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

                          ____________________