    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [February 25, 2000]
    [Pages 321-322]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Emergency Assistance to Fishing Communities
    February 25, 2000

        Due to the decline in important fishing stocks on the west and east
    coasts, many fishing communities are suffering unexpected losses that
    seriously threaten their livelihoods. In Long Island Sound, the lobster
    catch has fallen sharply this year. On the west coast, in Oregon,
    Washington,

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    and California, there has been a serious decline in groundfish stocks.
        The economic threat to fishing communities is severe. I am asking
    Congress to provide emergency assistance of $56 million to provide aid
    to those whose economic welfare is threatened by this crisis and to fund
    research to identify the causes and potential solutions to these
    problems to restore the long-term health of our vital fishing industry.
    I urge Congress to act quickly to provide relief to communities that are
    clearly in need.

    Note: A portion of the President's statement was also made available on
    the White House Press Office Actuality Line.