[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1583-E1584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM PRICE

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 
wonderful work being done by the Georgia Aquarium, which is located in 
the heart of downtown Atlanta. With more than 10 million gallons of 
water, the Georgia Aquarium is the world's largest with more aquatic 
life than any other aquarium, and six distinct galleries that portray 
diverse aquatic habitats, ranging from arctic to tropical waters. Since 
opening its doors in 2005, Georgia Aquarium has established itself as a 
leader in aquatic animal conservation and research. The results of this 
research are shared with the global zoological community for the 
enhancement of animals everywhere, thus showcasing Georgia as a global 
center of animal study.
  Currently, Georgia Aquarium is one of only six accredited facilities 
in North America that is capable of providing care for beluga whales, a

[[Page E1584]]

species which is presently listed by the International Union for the 
Conservation of Nature as ``near-threatened'' in its indigenous Arctic 
and sub-Arctic environment. In June 2012, the aquarium applied for a 
permit to import 18 beluga whales to the United States with the purpose 
of conducting research which must be done in human care, for the 
continued edification of aquarium guests, and to secure the 
sustainability of the population in North American zoological parks and 
aquariums. Applying this important research can help the scientific 
community better understand the growing problems beluga whales face in 
their natural habitats. This application is corroborated by a five-year 
research study, authenticated by the International Union for the 
Conservation of Nature, validating that the acquisition of beluga 
whales will have no damaging impact to the beluga population of origin.
  Mr. Speaker, the extraordinary work the Georgia Aquarium has done in 
pursuing research and educating citizens is highly commendable. The 
aquarium's recent efforts to study beluga whales will undoubtedly 
improve our scientific understanding of this threatened species. 
Therefore, I enthusiastically support Georgia Aquarium in its endeavor 
to increase the North American beluga population to help to maintain a 
sustainable population of whales in human care in certified facilities.

                          ____________________