09.13.11

Cantwell Joins New Bipartisan Oceans Caucus as Founding Member

Cantwell: ‘WA state’s coastal region has sustained entire industries for generations and today supports 162,000 jobs and generates $9.5 billion in economic activity’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement regarding her priorities as a founding member of the new bipartisan Senate Oceans Caucus.

Established today, the new Oceans Caucus is made up of 18 members who will work to increase awareness and find common ground in responding to issues facing the oceans, which support millions of jobs in America and contribute more to the country’s Gross Domestic Product than the entire farm sector, grossing more than $230 billion in 2004. Cantwell is a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard.

“For centuries, the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound have helped shape and define Washington state’s culture, people and way of living.Washington state’s coastal region has sustained entire industries for generations and today supports 162,000 jobs and generates $9.5 billion in economic activity.From supporting a robust trade economy to supplying diverse marine resources that fuel our livelihoods, our oceans are essential to our daily lives and must be preserved for future generations.

“The long-term health of our oceans lies in how we act today to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification, bolster bottom-up regional fishery management programs; safeguard against disastrous oil spills, and transition to cleaner energy sources. These critical issues are a few among many with drastic consequences for the health and sustainability of our oceans that the new bipartisan Senate Oceans Caucus will be working to address. In this new role, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to preserve and restore our nation’s diverse marine resources to ensure they remain vibrant and bountiful for future generations.”

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