Memorial Day Weekend Marks the Unofficial Beginning of Summer

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TO FAMILY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAVEL EDITORS:

Memorial Day Weekend Marks the Unofficial Beginning of Summer

And For Millions of Americans, That Means One Thing: A Vacation to the Beach.

VOORHEES, NEW JERSEY, May. 25 -/E-Wire/-- For generations, we have traveled to the coasts for the simple joys of sunbathing on sandy beaches, sailing on the open ocean, or fishing with our children. My family, up to three generations at a time, vacationed together at the shore. The grandchildren would go crabbing back in the marshes with their grandfather, who then steamed the crabs and taught the children the art of eating them.

Not surprisingly, the beach remains the number one destination for the travel and tourism industry, the nation's largest employer. Coastal states generate 85 percent of all tourism revenues, thanks to the nearly 180 million people who visit the coasts each year.

Today, however, our oceans are in trouble. Runoff pollution, poorly planned development, declining fish stocks, and the loss of habitat and wildlife threaten the overall health of the coasts and the tens of thousands of jobs linked to the sea.

American Water Works' companies, along both the east and west coasts, see the damage that pollution can inflict on our oceans first-hand. That is why I agreed to be part of an independent group that is determined to find new and better ways of protecting the oceans. As a member of the Pew Oceans Commission, I join scientists, fishermen, elected officials, conservationists, and businesspeople from around the country conducting the first national review of the policies and laws in place to protect our coasts and oceans in more than 30 years.

For the past several months we have met with citizens who live and work along our nation's coast. We find agreement on the problems-that part is easy. The hard part is forging solutions. Based on these ongoing discussions and after considering the best available science, we will present our recommendations for improving ocean management to Congress and the nation next year.

Perhaps the greatest challenge we see thus far is that too often we take the oceans for granted. The same things that draw us to the oceans-their vastness, mystery, and power-contribute to the sense that they are beyond harm. In fact, there is trouble beneath the surface. Many of the same ocean habitats that lure us to the coasts are showing serious signs of poor health.

A recent Pew Oceans Commission report found that polluted runoff from farms and cities continues to harm our estuaries, nature's nurseries for more than 70 percent of commercially valuable fish. These and other pollutants create "dead zones" where a lack of oxygen makes it difficult for marine life to survive. We have lost more than half of our coastal wetlands to development. Scientists estimate that more than 25 percent of the world's coral reefs have been lost, and that number may grow to 70 percent in the next 50 years unless we do a better job controlling pollution, development, and destructive fishing practices. The message is clear: our activities are altering the health of the marine environment we love.

The good news is that it is not too late to restore the health of our oceans. Of course, you do not need to wait for a commission or Congress to act. If you travel to the beach this summer-and I hope that you will-visit a nearby nature center or volunteer for a beach cleanup. Go to the local docks and talk to fishermen-they know more about the oceans than just about anyone. Or simply take time as you walk along the beach to consider how important the ocean is to you and your family.

This Memorial Day weekend marks an appropriate time to remember why we are drawn to the oceans and to rededicate ourselves to protecting them for the future. Let's work together now to keep the trip to the beach a special part of many summers to come.

Ms. Marilyn Ware is the Chairman of American Water Works Company, Inc., the largest investor-owned water service enterprise in the US. She is an active member of the Pew Oceans Commission and resides in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Pew Oceans Commission

http://www.pewoceans.org

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