Statement by Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans Regarding Executive Order 13158, Marine Protected Areas

Washington, DC - "The Administration has decided to retain Executive Order 13158 on marine protected areas. America must strive to harmonize commercial and recreational activity with conservation. We can do both.

This Administration is committed to improving conservation and research in order to preserve our great marine heritage. It is a national treasure. It must be protected and dutifully maintained.

At the Department of Commerce alone, the President's budget included $3 million in first time funding to support marine protected area activities consistent with existing law. If approved by Congress, these dollars can help us better manage this critical effort.

I also plan to appoint a Marine Protected Area Advisory Committee comprised of key experts and stakeholders. The membership will include academic, state and local, non-governmental and commercial interests. The process will be open and will draw on America's great reservoir of experience and expertise.

Past MPA designations like the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys were successful because they followed a well-planned process and secured grassroots support. The Dry Tortugas MPA offers a model for the years ahead.

Conservation can be balanced with commercial and recreational activity. It is our stewardship responsibility. We will work with the Department of Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies to safeguard our valuable coastal and ocean resources for the tomorrows in which we all will live."