Transcript
DAVID SANDALOW: Ladies and gentlemen, we are standing at a pivotal moment in Ocean's policy. For the first time in a generation, a high-level federal commission has recommended comprehensive reform of the way the United States governs the oceans. A prestigious private commission has also recommended comprehensive reform. With the new presidential term about to begin, with a new Congress to be sworn in next month, the possibilities for progress beckon.
But the agenda in this town is full, as always. Those who are interested in ocean policy reform will need to find common ground and work together. For me, a summer trip to Alaska underscored the importance of this task. On the Alaska coast, in August, I saw both the splendor of the oceans and the importance of ocean resources to the livelihoods of many. Talking to fishermen, to conservationists, to scientists, to state legislatures, I heard in detail about some ways in which Alaska's management of the oceans can be a model for the rest of the nation and some ways in which improvement is needed.
And one message was reinforced, the importance of dialogue and, to use a terrestrial metaphor, of seeking common ground. Only when different interests understand each other can we shape proposals with broad enough support to make a difference.
This morning, we are very honored to have, as our opening speaker, a lifelong leader on oceans issues. Congressman Curt Weldon is the senior Republican in the House delegation from the State of Pennsylvania. He is most important, for our purposes today, a founder and co-chair of the House Oceans Caucus. As a member of the Science Committee, Congressman Weldon has been one of the most outspoken advocates for the oceans on Capitol Hill, sponsoring leading oceans legislation and shaping the views of colleagues and others on these topics.
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