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Opening Remarks of Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo
Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1205, Legislation to Reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000
March 6, 2007
This morning's hearing will focus on legislation introduced by Congressman Eni Faleomavaega that would amend and reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act. Considering that 70 percent of the coral reefs under the jurisdiction of the United States are found in the Pacific, I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation and I commend our colleague from American Samoa for his leadership on this issue of national importance.
Since its enactment in the year 2000, The Coral Reef Conservation Act has stimulated a greater commitment to protect, conserve and restore coral reef resources within jurisdictional waters of the United States. As a result we now have a much better grasp of the condition of our coral reefs, and a more focused management capability than at any time in our history.
Nevertheless, our work is far from over. Many serious threats such as climate change and ocean warming, sea level rise and disease challenge the continued existence of these vital marine ecosystems. Clearly, if we wish to have coral reefs in the future, we cannot retreat from our efforts to protect them in the present.
Built from non-controversial legislation considered by the 109th Congress, H.R. 1205 would enhance the scope of the Act, especially new provisions that would codify the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and authorize new funding to support local strategies to conserve coral reefs, such as those developed in Guam.
Yet, like any legislation I recognize that this bill could be refined. To that end, I am committed to working with the members of this subcommittee to craft the best possible legislation to strengthen the Act and to protect our "Rainforests of the Sea."
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