Rep. Min: “The Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act will assist in protecting Southern California’s unique biodiversity and building coastal resilience, which will help us adapt to the growing consequences of global warming”
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Dave Min (CA-47), member of the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act, his first bill as a member of Congress. This legislation would safeguard biodiversity in Southern California coastal ecosystems, which is essential to preserving Orange County’s pristine coastline. Read the bill here.
“Orange County’s coast is home to some of the most vibrant marine life and habitats in our country, while providing tens of thousands of jobs, driving outdoor recreation, and spurring tourism,” said Representative Min. “The Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act will assist in protecting Southern California’s unique biodiversity and building coastal resilience, which will help us adapt to the growing consequences of global warming.”
Building on the critical work of Costa Mesa’s Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, the Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act would establish a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collect data on at-risk, aquatic species. This will allow scientists and policy makers to craft conversation strategies and preserve genetic variation, protecting coastal natural resources.
“We are truly grateful for Congressman Dave Min’s leadership in protecting our waters and all the vibrant marine life that call it home,” said Dr. Steve Weisberg, Executive Director of the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project. “This important legislation will ensure states, local governments, and conservation planners have the tools and data they need to effectively manage at-risk species, and to preserve our treasured coastal communities for decades to come. Southern California Coastal Water Research Project has played a leading role in this growing space, and we are grateful that this bill builds on our recommendations to ensure science is translated into local action.”
“New science makes clear that global loss of genetic diversity is a growing conservation concern. Identifying and protecting genetic variation among marine species – as proposed by the Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act – is especially important in the face of accelerating climate change,” said George Leonard, Chief Scientist at Ocean Conservancy. “We urge swift action from Congress to pass this important piece of legislation”
This bill is endorsed by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, the Ocean Conservancy, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
, member of the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act, his first bill as a member of Congress. This legislation would safeguard biodiversity in Southern California coastal ecosystems, which is essential to preserving Orange County’s pristine coastline. Read the bill here. ){kind=link}