Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation Archives

July 26, 2019 — The Subcommittee on Science, Oceans, Fisheries, and Weather of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation held a hearing Tuesday on America’s waterfronts.

The hearing, titled “America’s Waterfronts: Addressing Economic, Recreational, and Environmental Challenges,” focused on the current state of U.S. waterfronts, how to balance stakeholder needs, and maximize the benefits from the nation’s water and coastal resources.

“The economic and environmental well being of all our nations waterfronts benefit us all and the shared stewardship is a responsibility we should accept,” Mike J. Friis of the National Working Waterfront Network testified. “Intergovernmental (local, state, tribal and federal) collaboration and cooperation is necessary to be able to revitalize and enhance our working waterfronts and build local capacity. Coordination allows for sharing of expertise and resources to realize the most successful impact.”

Read the full story at WorkBoat

April 8, 2019 — Mississippians have inherited, harvested, and benefited from our oceans. That is why our state is a leader when it comes to the Blue Economy – the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.

Late last month, Gov. Phil Bryant joined the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which I chair, and provided testimony at the committee hearing, “Our Blue Economy: Successes and Opportunities.”

As Governor Bryant said at the hearing, “On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we have embraced the Blue Economy with all our energy and ingenuity.” The best seafood anywhere comes from the Gulf. Recreational and commercial fishermen up and down the coast contribute billions of dollars to our economy and support tens of thousands of jobs. Looking out at our coastal ports, you can see 55 million tons of goods flow in and out annually. Those goods are often transported on ships made in Mississippi and destined for harbors around the world.

Ocean conservation and development go hand-in-hand. In Mississippi, we take these lessons to heart.

Congress made significant progress on the Blue Economy when my colleagues and I passed the Modern Fish Act and the Commercial Engagement through Ocean Technology Act, or CENOTE, at the end of 2018. Both of these bills attracted bipartisan, bicameral support and were signed by the President.

Read the full opinion piece at the Daily Journal

Hearing on America’s waterfronts held

SEN. ROGER WICKER: Governor’s testimony spotlights blue economy