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the "environmental coalition" ._^ Collectively, for many years 

 these organizations have been involved actively in efforts to 

 advance the protection, conservation and sustainable utilization 

 of our ocean and coastal resources. 



Working with and through the Center for Law and Social 

 Policy, the environmental coalition has directed special 

 attention to issues surrounding ocean disposal of radioactive 

 wastes. Radioactive materials are among the most dangerous 

 pollutants for the marine environment, in part because they are 

 long-lived and because they can accumulate in certain parts of 

 the ecosystem, including living organisms. Much still needs to 

 be learned about the risks associated with ocean disposal of 

 radioactive wastes. Some scientific studies suggest that the 

 accumulation of these substances in our oceans could lead to 

 severe ecological repercussions in species and biological 

 processes, and that such substances could be hazardous to human 

 health through food chain contamination. Pending the results of 

 further research and monitoring, neither the U.S. government, or 

 other governments, should permit our oceans to be used as a 

 disposal medium for such wastes. 



The environmental coalition appreciates greatly this Subcom- 

 mittee's continuing interest in domestic and international issues 

 surrounding ocean disposal of radioactive wastes. Under your 

 leadership. Chairman D'Amours, during 1982 this Subcommittee, the 

 full Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, and the full House 



^ A brief description of each of these organizations is 

 attached as "Appendix A." 



