Washington, DC – Today, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded President Obama’s signature of the most significant conservation legislation passed by Congress in 15 years that included many Cantwell-secured provisions designed to improve our oceans, coasts, and water resources. 

 

“The oceans cover over two-thirds of our planet and include some of the most productive natural systems in the world,” said Cantwell. “Our coastal communities depend on healthy oceans and coasts for jobs, revenue, and recreation; their economies literally ebb and flow with the rise of the tide. In the Port of Seattle alone, port facilities and activities support more than 190,000 jobs and generate more than $17 billion in revenue for businesses. Today, President Obama showed these communities that we understand we must take action to address climate change, protect these areas, and ensure that our oceans and coasts can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

 

Cantwell-secured provisions in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 include:

 

Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act

Creates a comprehensive national ocean acidification research and monitoring program that will take a hard look at the devastating impacts greenhouse gas emissions are having on our oceans. The world’s oceans are absorbing roughly 22 million tons of carbon dioxide every day, causing seawater chemistry to become more acidic – possibly withholding the basic chemical building blocks needed by many marine organisms. Warmer, more acidic oceans can destroy important fisheries and food chains in the Pacific Ocean, impacting Pacific Northwest icons like Pacific Salmon. Understanding ocean acidification is critical to Washington state’s marine life and economy that depends on it.

Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act

Develops and maintains an integrated system of ocean and coastal observations for the nation's coasts, oceans and Great Lakes. This system could help improve warnings of tsunamis and other natural hazards, enhance homeland security, support maritime operations, and help scientists understand more about our fragile ocean environment.

 

 

Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Act

Reauthorizes the coastal and estuarine land protection program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to protect coastal areas with significant ecological, recreational, or watershed protection values that are threatened by human development, and administers grants to coastal states for acquiring coastal land for conservation and recreational purposes.

 

 

Ocean and Coastal Exploration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act

Enables the United States to gather critical observations and data from unexplored areas in the ocean. This bill establishes a national ocean exploration program within NOAA that would conduct interdisciplinary ocean exploration voyages and give us a better understanding of our Nation’s ecosystems and resources. It would establish a coordinated national undersea research program that would provide unprecedented opportunities to discovery items of economic, natural, and cultural value including new sources of minerals, pharmaceuticals, habitats, species, artifacts, and shipwrecks. Also, includes authorities to integrate federal and coastal mapping activities throughout the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, helping to minimize maritime accidents and support the national security missions of the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard.