<home> -- <press releases News from Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo Congresswoman Bordallo Recognized as “Conservationist of the Year” by the Center for Coastal Conservation FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 5, 2009 – Washington, D.C. – The Center for Coastal Conservation, an umbrella organization representing recreational and sports fishermen and trade associations involved in the fisheries industry, including boat manufacturing and line and tackle businesses, honored Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo of Guam today during a luncheon coinciding with its conference and board meeting in Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Bordallo was recognized by the Center for Coastal Conservation as “Conservationist of the Year.” Mr. Jefferson Angers, President of the Center for Coastal Conservation, introduced Congresswoman Bordallo to conference attendees and presented the award to her on behalf of the organization’s board and members. Congresswoman Bordallo was one of two Members of Congress recognized by the Center for Coastal Conservation at today’s event. United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas was also recognized for her efforts to strengthen the economic vitality of coastal communities and in support of sustainable fisheries. In making the presentation, Mr. Angers emphasized Congresswoman Bordallo’s national leadership in the area of marine stewardship as Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife in the House of Representatives. He noted her consistent efforts over the past two years to protect and strengthen public involvement in fisheries management decision-making processes, and in particular her successful efforts in securing important changes to President George W. Bush’s designation plans for new marine national monuments in the Pacific Basin while they were being prepared last year. These changes addressed concerns regarding recreational fishing access to the waters surrounding Guam and the Pacific Islands that were included in the boundaries of the new monuments. Congresswoman Bordallo opposed the use of the Antiquities Act by the previous Administration to designate the new marine national monuments and called for more public consultation in the process. Now that the monuments have been designated, Congresswoman Bordallo noted today upon receiving the award that she is urging increased public consultation as part of the process to develop management plans for the new monuments, and in particular increased consultation on the part of federal policymakers with local stakeholders on Guam and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) with respect to the management plan for the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument. Congresswoman Bordallo also noted the important role of and her support for the eight regional fishery management councils in managing our nation’s fisheries for sustainability. Upon receiving the “Conservationist of the Year” award today she stated “conservation of our marine resources and marine life is dependent upon the involvement and participation of stakeholders in our communities. Conservation can only be realized through partnership, and the Center for Coastal Conservation is a leader in forging partnerships for the greater good.” “I appreciate the recognition by the Center for Coastal Conservation of our efforts on Guam, in coastal communities across the nation, and in Congress to work together for conservation of our marine and coastal resources. The fishing and boating communities have an important stake in preserving our national heritage and promoting our cultural traditions in Guam and in the Pacific Islands. Our fishermen and boaters know the resources, and are important partners in our conservation efforts.” # # # matthew.mateo@mail.house.gov or krystal.agustin@mail.house.gov |
