To maintain sustainable fisheries, it’s important that we understand how changes to the ocean’s environment affects fish stocks.

 

Much of the focus on Capitol Hill and in the media has centered on how climate change will affect life on land through higher temperatures, storms, and sea levels.  What many don’t realize is that the oceans may change as well, and if the predictions are accurate, these changes could have economic consequences.

 

Warm ocean temperatures are causing widespread coral bleaching in the Caribbean.  In Alaska, some species are moving north.  There is concern on how these changes will affect our fisheries.

 

However, we know very little about these changes.  We do not know how much of this change is due to natural variations and how much is manmade.  For example, in Alaska our fisheries have been impacted in the past due to natural variations in ocean temperature caused by Pacific decadal oscillation shifts in ocean currents.  Some fisheries in Alaska have flourished due to warmer temperatures while others have seen temporary declines.

 

Today, we have several panelists who are concerned that the chemistry of sea water is changing and becoming more acidic.  This could have severe consequences for marine life and fisheries worldwide.  I hope our panelists can help the Committee identify the current gaps in knowledge.  We need to make sure the Federal agencies have their resources in the right places to study ocean acidification and climate change.

 

I would also like to thank our panelist and, in particular, Dr. Gordon Kruse, who has traveled all the way from Juneau, Alaska to participate in today’s hearing.  Dr. Kruse has studied fisheries in Alaska for decades, most recently serving as chair of the Scientific and Statistical Committee of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.  Their committee plays a vital role in what the Pew Commission has stated is “the best managed fishery in the world.”

 

I also want to welcome Admiral Watkins.  It is always a pleasure to hear his thoughts on ocean policy.