This Senate resolution expresses support for designating the week of September 20 through September 27, 2025, as "National Estuaries Week." The resolution lists facts and findings about estuaries from the bill text: estuary regions cover about 13% of the continental U.S. land but contain nearly 40% of the population, 39% of jobs, and 47% of economic output. It cites 2023 data on estuarine and ocean economy growth, job creation, and contribution to GDP, and 2022 figures for commercial and recreational saltwater fishing sales and jobs. The text describes the ecological roles of estuaries (fish and wildlife habitat, nursery areas, and stopovers), notes that many threatened or endangered species rely on estuaries, and lists ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood control, shoreline stabilization, and storm protection. The resolution references federal authorities that support estuary conservation (section 320 of the Clean Water Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act) and notes the existence of National Estuary Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves in 34 coastal and Great Lakes States and territories. It recognizes threats to estuary health, benefits of restoration, and the work of public and community partners. The resolution states the Senate supports the goals of National Estuaries Week and intends to continue work to understand, protect, and restore estuaries.
This resolution is a formal statement of support and public recognition. It is nonbinding and does not change existing laws or create new federal programs by itself. It raises public awareness about estuaries, their economic and ecological importance, and the need for protection and restoration. The Senate also expresses intent to continue work on estuary issues.
The resolution text does not authorize spending or create new funding. No publicly available information on estimated costs or new expenditures is included in the resolution.
Supporters say estuaries are economically and ecologically important: they support jobs and large parts of the fishing economy, provide habitat for many species (including threatened and endangered species), and deliver services such as water filtration and storm protection. The resolution highlights job growth and GDP contributions in estuarine and ocean-related sectors, the role of restoration in reducing pollution and flood damage, and the value of scientific study and community partnerships.
No publicly available information on opposition or opponents' arguments was included in the resolution or its metadata.