[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SOUTHERN SEA OTTER RECOVERY AND RESEARCH ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2009

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 
556, the Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act.
  I want to thank my neighbor, Sam Farr, for introducing this 
legislation, which I have cosponsored. We both represent districts that 
are home to the southern sea otter, and so this topic is of great 
concern to me and my constituents.
  Sea otters on the California coast are dying. A recent study by the 
U.S. Geological Survey found that otter populations are down 3.8 
percent from last year, the fastest decline since the 1990s.
  We need to act, and we need to act now.
  Scientists believe that these elevated mortality rates are linked to 
water pollution, but continued research is needed to clearly understand 
the pathways of diseases and to learn how to protect the sea otter. And 
we need to take concrete action to recover the population.
  H.R. 556 requires the Fish and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with 
the U.S. Geological Survey, to carry out just such a research and 
recovery program.
  This program requires monitoring, analysis, and assessment of 
population health and mortality, and directs the agencies to find ways 
to reduce or eliminate those factors that might be causing the decline 
in sea otter populations.
  The health of Central California's marine ecosystem and economy 
depends in large part on the health of the sea otter.
  Sea otters are keystone species and economic drivers. By foraging on 
sea urchins they help to maintain a lively kelp forest environment. 
Kelp forests, in turn, influence oceanographic patterns, ensure a 
healthy habitat for many commercially important fish species, and 
provide countless recreational opportunities. As a symbol of 
California, sea otters also bring in droves of tourists who want to 
nature watch and purchase merchandise.
  This bill is not just about preserving one species, but about 
preserving an ecosystem, an economy, and a way of life. In these 
uncertain times, we must fight to preserve all that we can. The science 
is clear; the sea otters need our help. And, quite frankly, we need 
theirs.
  I urge all of my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 556.

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