IV 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 506 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 13, 2023 Ms. Mace submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources RESOLUTION Commending the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston for its outstanding Sea Turtle Care Center and its dedicated efforts in rehabilitating and releasing injured and sick sea turtles, ensuring their return to their natural environment.

Whereas the South Carolina Aquarium, located in Charleston, has established an exceptional Sea Turtle Care Center that serves as a haven for injured and sick sea turtles found along the coast; Whereas the Sea Turtle Care Center, staffed by a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, provides critical medical attention, rehabilitation, and long-term care to these endangered marine species; Whereas sea turtles face numerous threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, boat strikes, ingestion of marine debris, and other human-induced activities that jeopardize their health and survival; Whereas the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center has demonstrated unwavering commitment and expertise in nursing these injured and sick sea turtles back to health, ensuring their recovery and eventual release into their natural habitat; Whereas the tireless efforts of the Sea Turtle Care Center have not only saved the lives of numerous sea turtles but have also contributed to scientific research and conservation initiatives focused on protecting and preserving these iconic marine creatures; Whereas, through its comprehensive rehabilitation programs, the South Carolina Aquarium has not only raised awareness about the challenges faced by sea turtles but has also inspired individuals, communities, and organizations to actively participate in their conservation; and Whereas the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center has become a model for marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, with its innovative approaches and dedication serving as an inspiration to other institutions and communities worldwide: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) commends the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston for its outstanding Sea Turtle Care Center and its invaluable contributions to the rehabilitation and release of injured and sick sea turtles; (2) recognizes the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Sea Turtle Care Center for their tireless efforts in providing medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support to these endangered marine species; (3) expresses appreciation for the South Carolina Aquarium’s commitment to scientific research and conservation initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving sea turtles and their natural habitats; (4) acknowledges the Sea Turtle Care Center’s significant role in raising public awareness about the threats faced by sea turtles and its efforts in educating the community on ways to actively engage in their conservation; (5) commends the South Carolina Aquarium for its role as a global leader in marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, setting an example for other institutions and communities to follow; (6) encourages continued support for the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center and its vital mission in safeguarding the welfare and survival of sea turtles and the marine ecosystems they inhabit; and (7) respectfully requests that the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the South Carolina Aquarium, expressing the gratitude and admiration of the House of Representatives for its exceptional Sea Turtle Care Center and its efforts in rehabilitating and releasing injured and sick sea turtles.