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[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1519 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1519

Congratulating the crew of the Ocean Watch for their remarkable voyage 
around North and South America and recognizing the importance of ocean 
                       and coastal conservation.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 14, 2010

Mr. McDermott (for himself, Mr. Farr, Mr. Larsen of Washington, and Mr. 
 Blumenauer) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                   the Committee on Natural Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
Congratulating the crew of the Ocean Watch for their remarkable voyage 
around North and South America and recognizing the importance of ocean 
                       and coastal conservation.

Whereas, on May 31, 2009, the crew of the sailing ship Ocean Watch departed from 
        Seattle, Washington, on its Around the Americas voyage, a 28,000 mile 
        journey circumnavigating North and South America with the mission of 
        inspiring, educating, and engaging citizens of North and South America 
        to protect the oceans and coasts;
Whereas, on June 17, 2010, after 358 days, the Ocean Watch completed its voyage, 
        having made over 31 port visits along the coasts of North and South 
        America;
Whereas the Around the Americas voyage was conceived through the shared vision 
        of David Rockefeller, Jr., and Captain Mark Schrader of Stanwood, 
        Washington, who enlisted the assistance of Sailors for the Sea, a 
        nonprofit organization that encourages sailors to become more active 
        stewards of the world's oceans;
Whereas in conjunction with the Applied Physics Laboratory and Joint Institute 
        for the Study of the Atmosphere and Oceans at the University of 
        Washington and the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Washington, the 
        crew obtained scientific measurements and data to help enhance 
        educational activities and support the work of several collaborating 
        scientists working on ocean research programs;
Whereas Around the Americas seeks to raise awareness of such critical ocean 
        health issues as polar ice melt, coral reef health, ocean acidification, 
        collapsing fisheries, ocean debris and pollution, changing sea levels, 
        and coastal erosion;
Whereas Around the Americas has gained local, national, and international media 
        coverage, through which ocean health issues have gained increased 
        awareness;
Whereas the United States has vast ocean coastline totaling 12,383 miles shared 
        by 24 States;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that over 50 
        percent of the United States population lives in coastal counties; and
Whereas the United States depends on the health of its oceans and coasts for a 
        variety of ecological, economic, scientific, nutritional, and 
        recreational benefits: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) congratulates the crew of the Ocean Watch on the 
        completion of their remarkable voyage circumnavigating North 
        and South America with the mission of inspiring, educating, and 
        engaging citizens of North and South America on the importance 
        of protecting the oceans;
            (2) supports the goals and mission of Around the Americas 
        in raising awareness and educating others about ocean health 
        issues;
            (3) recognizes the tremendous impact the oceans and coasts 
        have on the United States and a significant portion of its 
        population;
            (4) encourages all people of the United States to remember 
        the important role its oceans and coasts play and the benefits 
        these natural resources provide; and
            (5) continues to promote scientific research and 
        educational programs aimed at the preservation of the oceans 
        and coasts of the United States.
                                 <all>
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