Puget Sound Recovery Caucus Reintroduces Bill to Find Solutions to Sea Star Wasting Syndrome and Other Underwater Disease Emergencies

Press Release

In an effort to save the Puget Sound from what is being termed "sea star wasting syndrome" as well as other major marine disease emergencies, Representative Denny Heck (WA-10) and the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus are introducing the Marine Disease Emergency Act for consideration by the 114th Congress.

The legislation would establish the template for determining marine disease emergencies and the development of a 120-day rapid response plan.

The proposal follows the outbreak of the sea star wasting syndrome, which has been described as the "largest underwater disease epidemic on our U.S. shores, stretching from Alaska to Mexico on our West Coast and covering an unknown area on the East Coast, and involving over 20 species" by Professor Drew Harvell, a marine ecologist with Cornell University.

"Starfish are a keystone species, meaning their decline will hit the ecosystem and economy hard if something isn't done soon," Heck said. "The Marine Disease Emergency Act will work to save our delicate ecosystem and prevent the inevitable backlash for our marine environment and fishing industries."

Under the guidelines of the Marine Disease Emergency Act, sea star wasting syndrome will be declared a marine disease emergency triggering a series of steps to stop the spread.

Source