THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the President
(Aboard Air Force One)
______________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
November 13, 2000
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Today I am pleased to sign S. 1482, the ?National Marine Sanctuaries
Amendments Act of 2000,? further strengthening nation?s commitment to ocean
conservation. This nation prides itself on its conservation ethic, as
embodied in our national parks and refuges. The 13 marine sanctuaries
extend this ethic into the sea, ensuring a healthy ocean environment for
future generations of swimmers and surfers, fishermen and explorers,
teachers and students.
National marine sanctuaries enjoy broad bipartisan support, and I am
particularly grateful to the Congressional leadership of this legislation
for their efforts. I am especially pleased that this act creates the Dr.
Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, named in memory of Dr. Foster, who passed
away in June after a 23-year career fighting for ocean conservation. It is
a fitting tribute to Dr. Foster to encourage scholarship, particularly by
women and minorities, in the fields of oceanography, marine biology, and
maritime archeology.
This legislation builds on the Clinton-Gore Administration?s work to
preserve our nation?s oceans. Over the past seven years, the Vice
President and I have fought for healthier beaches and cleaner coastal
waters, greater protection for endangered and threatened marine species,
sound fisheries management, and support for marine protected areas. We have
worked with Congress to secure a fivefold increase in marine sanctuary
funding to $26 million, and add new sanctuaries off Massachusetts, Florida,
Washington, Hawaii, and, most recently, Michigan. Today, we extend this
program into the future, and with it this nation?s commitment to an ocean
ethic for the 21st century.
30-30-30
President and First Lady | Vice President and Mrs. Gore
Record of Progress | The Briefing Room
Gateway to Government | Contacting the White House | White House for Kids
White House History | White House Tours | Help
Privacy Statement