Expand the National Estuary Program to provide resources to coastal areas without estuaries. There is value in bringing diverse issues and stakeholders together. There are presently 28 estuaries in the program. There should be more funding for ocean issues, including research, monitoring, current programs, local initiatives, and the Clean Water Action Plan. Healthy fish stocks are reliant upon good water and air quality.
Coastal economies rely upon healthy marine and coastal waters.
During the East Coast meeting, locals attested to risks associated with spraying of Malathion to control the medfly population. Malaoxide, a toxic breakdown of malathion, was found in one community s treated drinking water last summer. Aerial spraying is affecting fish and birds. The public asked EPA to deny USDA s request for a permit for aerial spraying. Inform and educate the public about risks from pesticides in consumption of fish and coastal water quality.