FYI... Stefanie Rixecker ECOFEM Coordinator ------- Forwarded message follows ------- Date sent: Wed, 24 May 2000 12:33:01 -0400 From: Jamie Gillen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Commission on America's Waters Begins To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, Knowing of your interest in marine conservation issues, I wanted to alert you to the formation of the independent Pew Oceans Commission, (see http://www.pewoceans.org/index.html?l) established to assess the condition of America�s oceans and living marine resources, and set national priorities to restore and protect them for future generations Visit http://www.pewoceans.org/index.html?l to learn facts about America's oceans, the Commission's bipartisan leadership (including Governor Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey and former California Congressman and White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta) and goals. I hope you can visit the site and can feature it in some way. If you have any questions, or need any other information, please feel free to contact me. Thanks, Jamie Washington D.C. (May 24, 2000) - Governor Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey and former California Congressman and White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta will lead an independent commission to assess the condition of America�s oceans and living marine resources, and set national priorities to restore and protect them for future generations. The bipartisan group made up principally of leaders from business, science and government also includes fishermen and conservationists and is to be known as the Pew Oceans Commission http://www.pewoceans.org/index.html?l. Governor Whitman said she agreed to lead the Commission because, �The impacts of coastal development, pollution and some commercial fishing practices have led to declining prospects for many of our most cherished marine species - whales, dolphins, turtles, coral and seabirds. These creatures and the thousands of other organisms that share our seas are tremendously important to the American people. Assuring that our sea life will continue to populate our coastal waters prompts this comprehensive, science- based search for the measures necessary to protect them.� Working with distinguished scientists, public officials, business leaders, conservation and fishing interests on the Pew Oceans Commission, Whitman and Panetta will hold regional hearings and issue several reports, before delivering a final set of recommendations to Congress and the nation in early 2002. �We don�t have all the answers today,� said Panetta who is to be vice chair of the group. �We will need to work as partners with all of those who have a stake in the future of our oceans to accomplish our mission.� The commission was created by The Pew Charitable Trusts, one of the nation�s largest philanthropies. Rebecca Rimel, President of the Trusts said it was established because, �Our marine environment is facing a greater array of problems than ever before in history. The adverse impacts of overfishing, unplanned development, and pollution that continues unabated despite well-intended laws have led to the collapse of major fisheries in New England, a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico covering thousands of square miles, and the tragic waste of millions of fish, mammals and seabirds needlessly killed and discarded as unwanted bycatch each year. We believe that a commission made up of distinguished and thoughtful Americans can make an enormous contribution to restoring and protecting our marine environment.� The Commission will focus on the impacts of coastal development, pollution, fishing practices,climate change, and invasive species on marine life in U.S. waters. The Commission will hold its first meeting in July 2000. An aggressive schedule of public hearings, subcommittee meetings and interim reports will follow in the next 18 months. In addition to launching the organization, the Pew Oceans Commission is also launching their interim website which can be found at http://www.pewoceans.org/index.html?l. ------- End of forwarded message ------- ************************************ Dr. Stefanie S. Rixecker, Senior Lecturer Environmental Management & Design Division Lincoln University, Canterbury PO Box 84 Aotearoa New Zealand E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fax: 64-03-325-3841 ************************************
