[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E755-E756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE ``FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA: A CELEBRATION OF MARINE 
   SANCTUARIES'' EXHIBIT AT MOTE MARINE LABORATORY, SARASOTA, FLORIDA

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                         HON. KATHERINE HARRIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2003

  Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
work of the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation, as exemplified by 
an exhibit entitled ``From Sea to

[[Page E756]]

Shining Sea: A Celebration of Marine Sanctuaries,'' which is currently 
on display in my District at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, 
Florida. Due to the generous support of the National Marine Sanctuaries 
Foundation's Board of Directors and contributors, ``From Sea to Shining 
Sea'' is traveling the country, taking the wonders of our nation's 
thirteen underwater marine sanctuaries to communities from coast to 
coast.
  The National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation was established in 2000 to 
support the education and outreach activities of the National Marine 
Sanctuaries Program, which Congress created in 1972 through the Marine 
Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. Congress passed the Act in 
1972 in response to growing awareness nationwide of the intrinsic 
environmental and cultural value of our coastal waters. This 
legislation has led to the designation of thirteen unique marine areas 
as National Marine Sanctuaries, which has ensured the conservation of 
these natural treasures through comprehensive resource management, 
education, and research.
  As they provide a secure habitat for wildlife as well as a 
preservation zone for shipwrecks and prehistoric artifacts, our 
national marine sanctuaries serve as natural classrooms and 
laboratories. For example, as a result of the establishment of the 
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in November 1990, my home state 
is assured of the continued protection of a marine ecosystem that 
contains the largest coral reef in the continental United States as 
well as one of the most diverse assemblages of underwater plants and 
animals in North America.
  ``From Sea to Shining Sea'' features an original painting by renowned 
artist Robert Lyn Nelson, as well as touch screen, interactive, DVD 
video and exhibits that introduce visitors to all twelve national 
marine sanctuaries. This stunning exhibit will continue on display at 
the Mote Marine Laboratory through May 31, 2003.
  Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a long time 
partner with the NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary Program. Mote 
Aquarium educates and entertains almost 400,000 visitors per year, 
bringing the wonders of the marine world to visitors of all ages. 
Mote's Center for Tropical Research, located in Summerland Key, studies 
the coral reefs, other habitats, fauna and flora of the Florida Keys 
National Marine Sanctuary.
  Mr. Speaker, I am especially proud to recognize artist Robert Lyn 
Nelson for his amazing contribution to this exhibit; Office of National 
Marine Sanctuaries Director Dan Basta, for his vision and dedication to 
our country's marine treasures; Ms. Lori Arguelles of the National 
Marine Sanctuary Foundation for leading the public outreach effort; 
Superintendent Billy Causey of the Florida Keys National Marine 
Sanctuary; Aquarium Director Dan Bebak; Mote Marine Laboratory 
Executive Director Dr. Kumar Mahadevan; and Mote Marine Laboratory 
Board of Trustees for their continued dedication to excellence in 
marine science, education and conservation.

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