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“THE IMPORTANCE OF GUAM'S CORAL REEFS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1118 on June 4, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE IMPORTANCE OF GUAM'S CORAL REEFS
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HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD
of guam
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 4, 1997
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased that last month the House adopted House Concurrent Resolution 8, a resolution declaring the importance of maintaining the health and stability of coral reef ecosystems. On Guam, and throughout the Western Pacific, the importance of coral reefs is woven into almost every aspect of our lives. Healthy coral reefs are vital to our economy which is largely driven by our tourist industry, but they are also an important part of our island culture. Our reefs also serve as natural protection to our coastline from high waves, storm surges, and coastal erosion especially during typhoons and tsunamis. As is the case with most of the coral reef ecosystems in the world, Guam reefs are being threatened by a variety of enemies. Guam's reefs are being especially threatened by sewage outfalls, runoff, sediment, silt, and environmental stress from an increasing number of visitors.
Governor Gutierrez recently took action to preserve and protect this fragile ecosystem so central to both our culture and economy through the enactment of the Guam Coral Reef Initiative and signing the island's first marine life restoration bill passed by the Twenty-Fourth Guam Legislature. This new law will also have a significant impact on the life of our coral reef by setting aside designated reef preserves to allow various marine species to repopulate. Limits on the harvesting of fish and restrictions on fishing methods will also create a more healthy environment in which our reef can thrive.
The Guam Coral Reef Initiative ordered by the Governor is a comprehensive conservation and management plan for Guam's coral reef ecosystem including our mangroves and sea-grass beds. This initiative seeks to bring together all of the stakeholders in Guam's coral reefs to coordinate solutions which take into account the wide variety of direct and indirect threats to our reefs. Education will also be a strong component of this initiative. Residents and especially visitors need to be educated about the importance of the reefs as well as how to take proper care of this fragile ecosystem.
In addition to establishing a process to improve the health of Guam's coral reefs, this initiative includes a monitoring and research element. In fact, the University of Guam's Marine Lab and the Guam Department of Agriculture held training sessions last week to teach the public how to help conduct reef surveys. These surveys will serve as a baseline from which researchers can compare future reef health.
The people of Guam have traditionally been exceptional stewards of our environment. These two actions again prove that the people of Guam, not the Federal Government, are the best stewards of our environment. Through this effort, Guam continues to stand as an example of local solutions to local problems.
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