EarthWatch

A comment from Senator Mel Martinez

Below is a response to the recent comments I received from you:


Dear Mr. Bradley:

Thank you for contacting me regarding legislation addressing our nation’s ocean policy. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns.

As an avid outdoorsman and fisherman I appreciate the value of our nation’s biodiversity and natural heritage, and consider it important that we fight to protect it. I want my children and grandchildren to enjoy the wonder that our Florida environment provides.

As you know, in December 2004, President Bush submitted to Congress his U.S. Ocean Action Plan,as a result of recommendations made by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. In response, a number of initiatives have been proposed in Congress to address the need for a comprehensive ocean policy in our nation that secures the sustainable management of our ocean resources.

With a coastline nearly half as long as the total U.S. Atlantic Coastline, the good stewardship of Florida’s coastal and ocean resources is fundamental for the economy and population of our state, including millions of registered saltwater anglers, boat builders, marinas personnel, and tackle shops. In addition, approximately 75 million tourists come to our state to enjoy its beautiful beaches and coastal habitat.

Please know that as a Floridian, I am fully aware of the importance of this issue for our nation, and specifically for our state. Rest assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind, as I work with my colleagues in the Senate to find viable solutions based on sound scientific practices that reach a balance between protecting our precious natural resources and providing economic growth in the United States.

As always, thank you very much for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions or comments. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.

Sincerely,


United States Senator

posted by Moon Shadow @ 12:59 PM