[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 145 (Thursday, October 16, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MARYLAND WATERMEN'S ASSOCIATION

   Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I want to pay tribute to the 
Maryland Watermen's Association which is celebrating its 30th 
anniversary this year. I have had the opportunity to work closely with 
the MWA and its members over the years on a number of important 
issues--from improving our commercial harbors and historic seaports to 
restoring oyster reefs in Chesapeake Bay--and I have great respect for 
the men and women who make their living working Maryland's waters.
  For many people, Maryland's watermen conjure up romantic images of 
solitary oystermen sailing the Chesapeake Bay in skipjacks and 
harvesting the Bay's bounty. Their independent lifestyle in the 
outdoors represents a significant part of the culture of the Chesapeake 
Bay. But a Maryland waterman's life is not easy. It is arduous work 
harvesting crabs, clams, oysters and charter fishing. Watermen are 
dependent upon good weather and when storms prevent harvesting, there 
is no paycheck. Watermen also depend upon pollution-free water and 
disease-free finfish and shellfish. The number of licensed, active 
watermen has decreased by over 2,000 in 30 years. These stark realities 
make Maryland's watermen strong and persistent advocates for the 
restoration of Chesapeake Bay.
  Representing the independent and hardworking watermen is no easy task 
particularly in these times when their way of life is buffeted by so 
many forces. However, since it was first established in 1973, the 
Maryland Watermen's Association has done a great job of representing 
the interests of commercial watermen to the Maryland General Assembly 
and our congressional delegation. Under the leadership of Larry Simns, 
its president since 1973, and Betty Duty, its administrator, the 
association has been a forceful and effective advocate for Maryland's 
commercial finfish and shellfish industries.
  I extend an invitation for all to attend Chesapeake Appreciation 
Days, to be held at Sandy Point State Park, Saturday and Sunday, 
November 1 and 2. This celebration of the Chesapeake Bay and the 
watermen who depend upon it is sponsored by the Maryland Watermen's 
Association. Chesapeake Appreciation Days is an excellent opportunity 
for everyone to see exhibits and events which will teach about the 
Bay's importance to all of us. It is a terrific way to gain an 
appreciation of the hard working members of the Maryland Watermen's 
Association over the last 30 years.

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