This House resolution, introduced September 17, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, expresses support for designating September 20–27, 2025 as "National Estuaries Week." The text notes that estuary regions cover about 13 percent of continental U.S. land but contain nearly 40 percent of the population, 39 percent of jobs, and 47 percent of economic output. It cites recent estuary, ocean, and Great Lakes economy figures (111,000 new jobs from 2022–2023; 2,600,000 employed; $511,000,000,000 contribution to 2023 GDP) and fishing-related statistics for 2022 and 2023. The resolution describes estuaries as vital habitat and nurseries for fish and wildlife (including more than 68 percent of the commercial fish catch by value and 80 percent of the recreational catch by weight) and names species such as the Snowy Plover and Saltmarsh Sparrow. It lists ecosystem services estuaries provide (water filtration, flood control, shoreline stabilization, erosion prevention, and protection during storms), cites examples and estimates about avoided flood damages and reduced nutrient loads from restored wetlands, and notes that harmful algal blooms and sea level change threaten estuaries. The text references existing federal authorities (section 320 of the Clean Water Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act), notes that 34 coastal and Great Lakes States and territories operate or contain a National Estuary Program or a National Estuarine Research Reserve, and highlights that coastal habitat restoration can create jobs. The resolution: expresses support for the designation; supports goals and ideals of National Estuaries Week; acknowledges estuaries’ economic importance; recognizes threats; applauds partners; supports scientific study, preservation, protection, and restoration; and states the House’s intent to continue working on estuary issues.
The resolution asks people, public officials, and organizations to recognize and raise awareness about estuaries during the week of September 20–27, 2025. It is an expression of the House’s support for estuary protection, study, and restoration, and it highlights the economic and environmental roles estuaries play. The text does not itself create specific programs or funding details beyond expressing support and intent.
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Supporters in the resolution say estuaries are vital to jobs, the economy, and wildlife. They note estuaries provide critical services like water filtration and flood protection, support large parts of commercial and recreational fishing, and benefit communities through restoration. The resolution applauds national and community organizations and public partners and supports scientific study, preservation, protection, and restoration of estuaries.
No publicly available information.