[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 41 (Thursday, March 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE MARINE DEBRIS ACT REAUTHORIZATION AMENDMENTS OF 2011

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                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2011

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
bipartisan the Marine Debris Act Reauthorization Amendments of 2011 
which was introduced earlier today by my friend and colleague 
Congressman Sam Farr, from California. I sponsored similar legislation 
in the 111th Congress and I commend Congressman Farr for recognizing 
the importance of this legislation and his efforts toward its 
reintroduction.
  Marine debris comes in many forms and from many sources, each posing 
as a threat to birds, fish and other wildlife, while also affecting 
navigational safety, and polluting our beaches. Once passed, this 
legislation will serve to reduce the adverse impacts marine debris has 
on our marine ecosystem, the economy, and public safety. NOAA's 
existing Marine Debris Program supports important projects throughout 
the country, including beach cleanups, derelict fishing gear location 
and removal, and educational campaigns. Oftentimes these projects will 
enlist the assistance of out-of-season fishermen and other members of 
coastal communities. The program helps to locate and track marine 
debris to avoid threats to navigational safety. This reauthorizing 
language would serve to streamline these programs by avoiding any 
overlaps or conflicts with other federal agencies.
  NOAA's Marine Debris Program directly benefits the environment and 
the economy of coastal communities throughout the nation. Our 
fisheries, recreation, and tourism industries are dependent on clean 
beaches and healthy marine ecosystems.
  Guam would greatly benefit from the passage of the Marine Debris 
Reauthorization as it would give states and local communities the 
additional tools we need to effectively protect our marine environments 
and wildlife. Again, I would like to thank Representative Farr for 
introducing this legislation, as well as Rep. Don Young, Rep. Dana 
Rohrabacher, Rep. Donna Christensen, and Rep. Pedro Pierluisi for 
joining me as original cosponsors. I encourage my colleagues to support 
this important piece of legislation.

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