[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E483-E484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MYSTIC AQUARIUM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a national leader in 
the global effort to protect the world's oceans, Mystic Aquarium. 
Mystic Aquarium celebrates a major milestone this year--its 50th 
anniversary, and it is fitting that this chamber recognizes the 
institution for its service to and advocacy on behalf of our natural 
world.

[[Page E484]]

  Since its opening in 1973, Mystic Aquarium's mission and capabilities 
have evolved impressively over the decades. From education, exhibition, 
conservation, to research, the team at the Aquarium has grown yet 
remained ever so dedicated toward advancing our respect for and 
understanding of marine wildlife.
  As we celebrate what Mystic Aquarium has become after all these 
years, it would be impossible to recap all of the nonprofit's 
achievements. It has expanded interactive educational opportunities to 
accommodate roughly 800,000 visitors annually, a number which will only 
grow as it opens a new exhibit this year. The Aquarium is also engaging 
the local community through other means, including strengthening a 
volunteer conservationist network under its newer Ocean Ambassadors 
Program. Through its Animal Rescue Program and multiple freshly 
constructed veterinary facilities, Mystic Aquarium has also directly 
supported the rehabilitation of Long Island Sound area populations. The 
Aquarium even takes on cases from other rescue facilities, reducing 
pressure on our nation's veterinary system for marine wildlife
  The Mystic Aquarium has taken on greater efforts to become an 
advocate of conservation on the national stage. The organization 
actively studies opportunities to protect endangered species such as 
the African Penguins, Coral Reefs, Sea Turtles, Sharks and Rays. Its 
expert researchers have also notably been central in laying the 
groundwork for the establishment of the first federally protected 
monument in US Atlantic waters, the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts 
Marine National Monument. This monument is a hotbed of biodiversity 
that is now better protected from human activity because of the 
Aquarium's advocacy apparatus.
  Over the years, Mystic Aquarium has grown into a major employer which 
significantly contributes to the Second District of Connecticut's 
economy and culture. I know countless success stories of youth who have 
taken up summertime, annual employment or internships, and have forged 
those early formative experiences into full-on careers.
  Mr. Speaker, the work Mystic Aquarium takes on is community driven, 
compassionate, and highly technical. They have been tremendously 
valuable to both our region and nation which is why they continue to 
earn federal support. To that end, as Mystic Aquarium celebrates a 
half-century of outstanding service, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating the legacy of their mission and its future relevance, and 
wishing them many more milestones to come.

                          ____________________