[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S10067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. BOXER:
  S. 1748. A bill to establish a program of research, recovery, and 
other activities to provide for the recovery of the southern sea otter; 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise to speak on the introduction of the 
Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act.
  The southern sea otter is a keystone species that plays a critical 
role in central California's kelp forest ecosystem. By maintaining a 
healthy and productive ecosystem capable of supporting many other 
marine species, they also contribute to California's $22 billion ocean 
tourism, recreation, and fishing industries.
  Already listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, 
southern sea otters recently experienced their largest population 
decline in over a decade. They face a variety of threats, including 
food limitation, disease, and habitat degradation--but the exact causes 
of their decline are unknown.
  Sea otters are a sentinel species that serve as an indicator of 
ecosystem health, so this population decline is extremely alarming. 
Understanding and addressing the causes of this decline would help us 
protect the health of our kelp ecosystems as a whole.
  My legislation would require the Department of the Interior to 
monitor the population of southern sea otters and assess the major 
factors limiting their recovery. It would also establish a competitive 
grant program for research and recovery projects.
  The language has been drafted in consultation with numerous 
scientists, agency officials, conservation groups, and fishermen. 
Companion legislation was reported by the House Natural Resources 
Committee by voice vote in May, and passed the full House of 
Representatives in July. I look forward to working with my colleagues 
to achieve a successful outcome in the Senate.
  With this legislation, we can finally put the southern sea otter on a 
path to recovery--and restore central California's magnificent kelp 
forests to a healthy, thriving condition.

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