[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 103 (Monday, June 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNITION OF MARGO PELLEGRINO'S 2,000-MILE JOURNEY FROM MIAMI TO 
                                 MAINE

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2007

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to 
Margo Pellegrino for her remarkable Journey from Miami, FL to Camden, 
ME. On Monday, May 7, 2007 Margo Pellegrino, a 40-year-old mother of 
two, with limited training, began paddling her 20-foot outrigger canoe 
up the Intracoastal Waterway, ICW, and along the Atlantic coast. Her 
reason? To highlight the importance of coastal issues up and down the 
coast.
  Ms. Pellegrino's efforts are an inspiration to us all. During her 11 
week trip she will make 74 stops along the East Coast in her personal 
quest to help save our oceans from pollution, overfishing, and habitat 
destruction.
  She understands that we need responsible management of our rich 
coastal resources. Margo Pellegrino is doing her part to ensure that 
our Nation's coastal beauty can continue to be enjoyed by both present 
and future generations. She shares my commitment of improving the 
quality of our coastal environment while enhancing the interests of 
those who live and work in America's coastal communities. Her efforts 
will help achieve those goals.
  As Ms. Pellegrino paddles her 40 miles a day she has encountered 
endangered reefs and dredged beaches--problems that she wants to bring 
to light throughout her journey. One of Margo's major concerns is 
dwindling fish populations. Overfishing is largely responsible for the 
rapid decrease in fish populations and has put our oceans in peril.
  It is important to note that Ms. Pellegrino is not a professional 
athlete. She is a mother and an environmentalist who is showing her 
children how to make a difference in the world and inspire others to 
take an active role in the stewardship of our oceans.
  This week, she paddles along the coast of New Jersey. As she 
continues her journey up through New England to Maine, I wish her the 
best. And I once again ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Margo Pellegrino for her exceptional journey from Miami to Maine to 
bring attention to our coastal environment.

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