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problem must be met before rational policies on coastal zone use can 

 l3e set forth. 



The concept of estuarine sanctuaries is an essential one, to preserve 

 and restore selected coastal areas as natural laboratories to study pro- 

 cesses which we still do not fully comprehend. In some cases, man's 

 forceful entry into the coastal zone ecology has irretrievably disrupted 

 the natural situation. But we must arrest this process before we have 

 lost all natural coastal areas, and with them a valuable source of sci- 

 entific knowledge about life there. Coastal estuaries are among the 

 most productive areas on this planet. They are critical areas for the 

 breeding of many species of commercially important fish, for example. 

 As our "spaceship Earth" faces its finite resource capability, we must 

 gather the knowledge necessary in the biologically active estuaries so 

 that we can deal with future life needs. 



The bill goes further in the creation of such sanctuaries, but not 

 far enough. It requires procedures in State plans for the designation of 

 preserves and restored areas for ecological and recreation uses. Steps 

 must be taken to further encourage such preserves, and I urge the ad- 

 ministrators of this bill — if it is finally approved — to make such ac- 

 tions a central part of any coastal zone management operation. 



In short, I support this bill because it recognizes that rational plan- 

 ning of natural resources has come of age. More than that, it has be- 

 come a basic requirement of survival at a stage of history where un- 

 controlled grov/th is now confronting a limited capacity for expansion. 

 Eecent studies have sounded the warning that mankind — and especi- 

 ally Americans with our technologically advanced society — must begin 

 to examine the value of development without regard for environmental 

 preservation. To maximize the use of our common natural heritage 

 for all citizens, some restraints must be placed on the onward rush of 

 deveopment oftentimes blindly disguised as "progress." These re- 

 straints should come in the form of rational resource analysis, and al- 

 location to various compatible uses with regard to the basic needs of 

 human existence. 



The protection of our coastal zones does not mean that we are merely 

 saving fish and ocean plant life ; the future of human life is at stake. 

 Just as laissezfaire capitalism became a threat to human developm.ent 

 and was discarded, so too must we begin to shake oil the constraints of 

 a system which dictates that commercial development is our only 

 priority. In the crucial area of coastal zones, which require imm-ediate 

 attention lest they be lost forever, we can take tliis step toward a plan- 

 ned approach to resource allocation. If we do not, future generations 

 will be forced to pay, and pay dearly, for our lack of concern and 

 miderstanding. 



Mr. Kyeos. JMr. Chairman, as a representative from a coastal State 

 vitally affected by this legislation, I gladly rise in support of H.R. 

 14146, the Coastal Zone Management Act, which I also co-sponsored. 



Maine's coastline is justly famous for its beauty, and is certainly 

 one of the State's most valuable resources and economic assets. Maine 

 has recently suffered one of its worst oil spills ever, and this tragic 

 accident, dumping over 100,000 gallons of oil on our lovely shores, 

 only reenforced the urgency to act now to protect and preserve our 



