Conservationists honor Sen. Hutchison and Congresswoman Bordallo
| Conservationists honor Sen. Hutchison and Congresswoman Bordallo
WASHINGTON, DC—The Center for Coastal Conservation has presented U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) with its two highest awards to public officials for their work in support of marine conservation. Hutchison was presented the Center’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years of work to protect marine resources and fishing access for recreational fishermen. Among her many achievements, Hutchison was coauthor of the “Freedom to Fish Act,” which was signed into law as part of the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act in 2007. “Kay Bailey Hutchison is a hero for anglers across the country,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Coastal Conservation. “Her leadership for marine conservation has ensured better stewardship of America’s coastal resources.” In accepting the award at the Center’s annual conference in Washington on May 5, Hutchison emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s natural resources. “I have worked to make sure our citizens, especially our recreational fishers, have an opportunity to enjoy those resources,” Hutchison said. “The Center for Coastal Conservation understands that better conservation doesn’t need to come at the expense of sportsmen.” The Center presented Congresswoman Bordallo its Conservationist of the Year Award in recognition of her longtime commitment to marine conservation, especially her successful efforts in 2008-09 to secure important changes to new marine monuments proposed in the Pacific Basin. Bordallo’s position as chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife make her a key player in coastal conservation.
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Conservation honors Hutchison, Bordallo
“Congresswoman Bordallo has never wavered in her commitment to protect the nation’s marine resources,” said Jack Lawton, Jr., chairman of the Center for Coastal Conservation. “She has played an important role in ensuring that our resources are protected and not arbitrarily shut off to responsible uses.”
Bordallo has worked consistently to ensure the public’s involvement in fisheries management decision-making processes.
“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,” Bordallo said. “Our fishermen and boaters know the resources, and are important partners in our conservation efforts.”
The Center for Coastal Conservation brings under a single umbrella the leading advocates for marine recreational fishing and boating. The organization promotes sound conservation and use of ocean resources by backing federal legislators who support its goals. The Center focuses on promoting a quality recreational fishery; ending overfishing; improving angling and boating access, and working waterfronts and marinas.