Ocean Conservancy Commends Senators Whitehouse and Snowe on Taking Step toward Reinvesting in the Health of Our Ocean; Calls for Inclusion of Measure in Senate Energy Package

Senators introduce bill that provides blueprint for better understanding, protecting, restoring and managing ocean resources: It’s time for action.

Media Contact: Tim McHugh

July 22, 2010

Washington, DC — Today, groundbreaking legislation the National Endowment for the Ocean Act was introduced, which would reinvest a portion of profits made from ocean resources to protect ocean health, and ultimately economic health.

Matt Tinning, Ocean Conservancy Vice President for External Affairs, issued the following statement in response to the announcement:

"This is a defining moment for our ocean. BP’s Deepwater Horizon disaster reminds us that our ocean is a precious resource, and one that is facing grave threats. While its exploitation often benefits a select few, its health is vital to every one of us. There is an urgent need to reinvest a portion of the revenue derived from our ocean to better understand, protect, restore and manage our marine resources.

"Ocean Conservancy commends Senators Whitehouse and Snowe for introducing the National Endowment for the Ocean Act, which provides a blueprint for reinvesting in our ocean our planet’s life support system and our economic engine.

"The energy package announced by Senator Reid this afternoon is in large part a response to the environmental disaster that is continuing to unfold in the Gulf of Mexico. The American public has never been more focused on the value of our marine resources, and it is imperative that we seize this moment to dedicate funding for their protection and restoration. We support Senator Reid’s pledge to invest in the Land and Water Conservation Fund. In the wake of the BP disaster, the Senate must also include dedicated funding for our ocean, as provided for in the Whitehouse-Snowe bill."

Energy legislation marked up by the House Natural Resources Committee last week includes an Ocean Resources Conservation and Assistance Fund, as well as dedicated revenue for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.