[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity 
to express my support of H. Res. 1112, a resolution recognizing 2008 as 
the International Year of the Reef.
  I have the great honor of representing the Florida Keys, an area rich 
in natural wonders including two national parks, four national wildlife 
refuges, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary--one of the 
most diverse marine ecosystems in the Nation. The natural and cultural 
resources and environmental setting of the area make it among the most 
diverse in North America. Within the surrounding waters are resources 
deserving of special consideration and protection, including America's 
only living barrier coral reef.
  This designation is part of a global effort to raise public awareness 
of the value of coral reefs, the significance of the threats faced by 
coral reef systems, and to mobilize action to develop and implement 
innovative solutions and strategies to protect and conserve these 
important natural resources. Coral reef systems provide economic, 
environmental, and cultural benefits to millions of people around the 
world and are vital in protecting shorelines and supporting coastal 
economies. Coral reefs are some of the most valuable and spectacular 
places on earth. Covering less than 1 percent of the planet's surface, 
coral reefs and their associated mangrove, sea grass, and other 
habitats are the world's most biologically diverse marine ecosystems.
  Last September, I had the distinct opportunity of participating in a 
dive to the Aquarius Undersea Laboratory in the Florida Keys. While in 
Aquarius, I participated in a live, underwater question and answer 
session with schoolchildren on topics such as coral reef conservation 
and the dangers of offshore drilling. This visit demonstrated how the 
Aquarius facility plays a direct role in improving our youngsters' 
understanding and appreciation of the marine environment.
  As part of my passion for preserving the environment, I am proud to 
serve as co-Chair of the National Marine Sanctuary Caucus along with my 
colleague Congresswoman Lois Capps. The National Marine Sanctuary 
Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of Members dedicated to increasing 
awareness and strengthening commitment to our Nation's cherished marine 
sanctuaries. The caucus promotes understanding of how national marine 
sanctuaries help to safeguard our natural heritage and economic well-
being. It also serves to inform local communities about the importance 
of maintaining these ecosystems for future generations to enjoy, 
educates Members of Congress on the importance of sanctuary protection 
and management, and ensures that adequate resources are directed to 
foster and restore these vital habitats.
  I would like to also take this time to recognize the incredible 
National Marine Sanctuary officials in my district, including Billy 
Causey and Commander Dave Score, as well as Sanctuary System Director 
Dan Basta, for all of their work on behalf of our underwater 
ecosystems.
  Once again, I would like to express my support for designating 2008 
as the International Year of the Reef. Through this designation, it is 
my hope that it will encourage further research and development efforts 
to preserve coral reefs around the world.

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