[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF S. 910, THE NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM 
                         AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2020

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                               speech of

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 16, 2020

  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 910, the 
National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2020.
  For decades, the Sea Grant College Program has provided essential 
oceans-focused research and support for our communities nation-wide and 
especially now as we face the impacts of climate change on coastal 
communities. The bill before us today would authorize an increase in 
funding for our Sea Grant programs and enhance our efforts to study, 
conserve and effectively use U.S. coastal resources.
  Climate change is wreaking havoc on our coasts, including throughout 
my Hawaii where coastal roads are crumbling as sea level rise and 
erosion take their toll. Coral reefs, which are vital resources for our 
ecosystems and provide protection from storm surges to our coasts, are 
facing mass bleaching events due to warming waters. Fish stocks are 
moving from traditional areas because of warming waters. The Sea Grant 
Program works with communities to research these issues and many more 
to provide useful information to make informed management decisions 
based on science.
  The University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program (Hawaii Sea Grant) 
is a prime example of focus on critical issues related to sustainable 
coastal development, tourism, hazard resiliency, sustainable 
aquaculture, indigenous knowledge, and the impacts of climate change. 
In all of its efforts, Hawaii Sea Grant strives to promote stewardship 
of Hawaii's coastal ecosystems and increase public awareness of the 
need to preserve and protect Hawaii's precious marine resources.
  Just some Hawaii Sea Grant impacts in 2018 included:
  Created or sustained 43 jobs for an economic benefit of at least $4.2 
million;
  Generated $6.8 million in leveraged funds, resulting in a return on 
the federal investment of approximately 200 percent;
  Supported the education and training of 53 undergraduates and 
graduate students;
  Assisted 47 communities throughout Hawaii with implementing 
sustainable development practices and policies;
  Helped 762 fishers adopt safe and sustainable fishing practices;
  Educated over 30,000 K-12 students in Hawaii through Sea Grant 
education activities;
  Helped restore an estimated 5,500 acres of coastal ecosystems; and
  Improved community resilience statewide through outreach and 
distribution of more than 75,000 copies of the Homeowner's Handbook to 
Prepare for Natural Hazards publication.
  These impacts prove the longstanding importance of Sea Grant to many 
such communities nationwide. I am proud to support this continued work 
and urge all my colleagues to pass S. 910.

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