Congressmen Farr, Mack, Inslee to co-chair House Oceans Caucus

SEA Blog - -Just passing on this announcement regarding the bi-partisan House Oceans Caucus, which is working on timely and crticial ocean conservation issues, thanks in part to the leadership of Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA17). Please pay attention to the efforts of this caucus and make your voices heard on ocean conservation issues to these leaders in Washington.

NEWS FROM CONGRESSMAN SAM FARR - 17^th Congressional District of California

April 5, 2011 - CONTACT: David Beltran, 202-225-2861, [email protected]

http://farr.house.gov/

The Ocean Caucus works to build awareness, exchange information and ideas, and explore important issues affecting the oceans

Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today announced that he will be joined by Congressmen Connie Mack and Jay Inslee as co-chairs of the House Oceans Caucus (HOC) for the 112^th Congress. The House Oceans Caucus was formed a decade ago to create a bipartisan voice within Congress to address ocean issues.

“I want to thank Congressman Mack for joining our efforts to raise awareness about issues affecting our oceans,” said Congressman Farr. “I also want to welcome back the tireless efforts of Congressman Jay Inslee. Our nation’s coastlines and oceans represent one of our country’s greatest natural resources. It is our responsibility to not only protect this valuable resource for future generations, but for the our nation’s coastal communities that depend on healthy coastlines for their economic livelihood.”

The HOC co-chairs and caucus members’ goal is to build awareness, to exchange information and ideas, and to explore important issues that relate to the oceans. HOC co-chairs represent diverse ocean communities and their interests, and as such work together to provide timely information to House Members on ocean related issues by organizing educational briefings and voicing the concerns of ocean and Great Lakes communities.

In an effort to present relevant information and issues of concern, the HOC works with a diverse group of ocean related organizations, including federal and state agencies, academic communities, environmental groups, commercial and sport fishermen, and a variety of other ocean industry members and stakeholders.