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TESTIMONY OF MOLLIE H. BEATTIE, DIRECTOR, UNITED STATES FISH AND 

 WILDLIFE SERVICE, BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND 

 NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE HOUSE MERCHANT MAP.INE AND FISHERIES 

 COMMITTEE, REGARDING H.R. 4481, THE N'TIONAL AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 

 RESTORATION ACT OF 1994 



July 19, 1994 



Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, I am pleased to be 

 here today to testify on behalf of the Department of the Interior 

 and the Fish e .d Wildlife c ervine concerning H.R. 4481, the 

 National Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Act of 1994. 



I commend Mr. Hambu- and the other co-sponsors of the bill for 

 their insight in ecognizing the importance of restoring our 

 nation's degraded aquatic ecosystems. I appreciate the 

 opportunity to appear before you today to discuss this important 

 piece of legislation. The Administration supports the intent of 

 H.R. 4481 and would be happy to submit a report to the Committee 

 prior to markup of this bill suggesting specific amendments to 

 the bill. 



Aquatic ecosystems provide a number of critical functions for 

 humans and the environment. They recycle nutrients, purify 

 water, attenuate floods, and provide habitat for plants, fish, 

 and wildlife. In addition, they provide extensive recreational 

 opportunities. Recreational fishing activity alone supports $69 

 billion in total economic output and sustains an estimated 1.3 

 million jobs. Recreational hunting and non-consumptive uses of 

 aquatic ecosystems also make substantial contributions to our 



