Keep our Oceans Healthy!

Oceans 21, a federal bill promoting healthy ocean practices is being reviewed. Most recently, the Coalition was invited to participate in a roundtable meeting with Congressman Klein, the National Resources Defense Council, the Surfrider Foundation, The Snook Foundation and Ocean Conservancy. The importance of a healthy ocean was discussed and Congressman Klein was thanked for co-sponsoring the Bill.

Among the states, Florida in particular has much to lose if our Oceans continue to be polluted and unregulated. The ocean is the backbone of Florida's economy, with over $63 billion generated by tourism in 2005 and the creation of more than 944,000 jobs. Florida is the number-one SCUBA diving destination in the United States and produces many of the world's top surfers. Florida's recreational fishery is among the largest in the country with expenditures of $8.3 billion, including everything from food, lodging, bait, charter, equipment, and gas.

Click here to read a recent House Committee Hearing on H.R. 21 (the Oceans 21 Healthy Ocean Bill)