It benefits us in sickness and in health, as a source of new medicines and favorite vacation spots. But the health of the sea itself is declining and we often don't understand why. Mysterious toxic red tides appear along our coasts. Florida coral reefs bleach and die. Alien species from Europe and Asia are overwhelming native animals in San Francisco Bay.
Deadly diseases kill hundreds of dolphins and manatees.
And the cod fishery that fueled the growth of New England is gone. Whether we realize it or not, millions of Americans those who catch fish and market seafood, make boats and tooth paste, sell coastal real estate and diving gear depend on the sea for their livelihood. Given the importance of marine ecosystems to our well-being and economy, we need to make understanding and conserving our marine resources a greater national priority. President Clinton's FY 1998 Proposed Budget shows just how far we have to go. According to MCBI's Mathews-Amos, that's money well spent.