[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 166 (Tuesday, October 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR DR. ROBERT ABEL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2007

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Robert Abel's 
lasting contributions and dedication to the oceans. Dr. Abel's 
environmental stewardship helped make New Jersey a leader in 
sustainable ocean and coastal research, policy planning and marine 
science education.
  Sadly, Dr. Abel passed away on October 10th, but he left behind a 
lasting legacy of support for protection of coastal and ocean resources 
in New Jersey and the Nation. On October 31st, at the Monmouth 
University Urban Coast Institute's 3rd Annual Ocean Champion Awards, 
Dr. Abel will be honored with a State Ocean Leadership Award presented 
posthumously to his widow, Mrs. Nancy Abel.
  Dr. Abel began his distinguished career in government service as a 
chemical oceanographer with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in 
Massachusetts. He then served as Staff Oceanographer to the Vice 
President of the United States from 1960-1967.
  Later, he was appointed as the founding Director of the National Sea 
Grant College Program. During his tenure, Dr. Abel was responsible for 
transforming the Sea Grant Program. He expanded it to include 
education-based projects for shore protection, fisheries, aquaculture 
and environmental protection.
  As President of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium, Dr. Abel 
ensured permanent New Jersey State funding for the Sea Grant Program, 
guiding the program to receive the Nation's first and only non-
university program college status. I had the privilege of serving as a 
fellow through the program, and have also had fellows serve in my 
office over the last 20 years, providing me with invaluable counsel on 
ocean issues.
  Dr. Robert Abel was also a diplomat of the ocean. In 1981, he formed 
the Cooperative Marine Technology Program for the Middle East. He 
worked together with Israeli, Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian 
scientists, hoping that international environmental stewardship could 
help strengthen bilateral ties.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
celebrating the life of Dr. Robert Abel, and extending our sincere 
condolences and deep appreciation to Mrs. Abel. Dr. Abel's scientific 
and diplomatic efforts will continue to benefit and inspire my 
constituents, and his many international colleagues and friends, for 
years to come.

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