[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 46 (Monday, November 20, 2000)]
[Page 2867]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the National Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 
2000

November 13, 2000

    Today I am pleased to sign S. 1482, the ``National Marine 
Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 2000,'' further strengthening Nation's 
commitment to ocean conservation. This Nation prides itself on its 
conservation ethic, as embodied in our national parks and refuges. The 
13 marine sanctuaries extend this ethic into the sea, ensuring a healthy 
ocean environment for future generations of swimmers and surfers, 
fishermen and explorers, teachers and students.
    National marine sanctuaries enjoy broad bipartisan support, and I am 
particularly grateful to the Congressional leadership of this 
legislation for their efforts. I am especially pleased that this act 
creates the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, named in memory of Dr. 
Foster, who passed away in June after a 23-year career fighting for 
ocean conservation. It is a fitting tribute to Dr. Foster to encourage 
scholarship, particularly by women and minorities, in the fields of 
oceanography, marine biology, and maritime archeology.
    This legislation builds on the Clinton-Gore administration's work to 
preserve our Nation's oceans. Over the past 7 years, the Vice President 
and I have fought for healthier beaches and cleaner coastal waters, 
greater protection for endangered and threatened marine species, sound 
fisheries management, and support for marine protected areas. We have 
worked with Congress to secure a fivefold increase in marine sanctuary 
funding to $26 million and add new sanctuaries off Massachusetts, 
Florida, Washington, Hawaii, and, most recently, Michigan. Today we 
extend this program into the future, and with it this Nation's 
commitment to an ocean ethic for the 21st century.

Note: At the time of publication, S. 1482, approved November 13, had not 
been received by the Office of the Federal Register in time for 
assignment of a public law number.