Congressional Estuary Caucus
Dedicated to promoting the successes of estuary restoration and conservation, as well as addressing the challenges facing our nation’s estuaries.
The Congressional Estuary Caucus (CEC) was established in early 2017 to help educate leaders at all levels of government on the importance of estuaries, and ensure we sustain the robust support for proven programs that work to confront the mutual troubles of U.S. estuaries.
CEC members recognize the critical importance of our nation’s estuarine systems and work to protect and restore our nation’s estuaries. Caucus members are committed to ensuring that the full range of benefits provided by estuaries continue to be realized including: sustaining economically important fishery resources, improving the resilience of coastal communities, protecting vital infrastructure from extreme weather events, and providing new recreational opportunities. As threats to estuaries continue to mount, the CEC’s work will be critical to ensuring these systems remain healthy and productive.
“We know we have an imperative to act to protect our estuaries for the planet and economy.” – Rep. Suzanne Bonamici
Membership
Currently, the CEC has nearly 40 members representing districts along each of our nation’s coasts.
Suzanne Bonamici |
Rick Larsen |
Brian Mast |
Bill Posey |
116th Congress Membership
| Brian Babin (TX36) Gus Bilirakis (FL12) Earl Blumenauer (OR03) Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE) Bradley Byrne (AL01) Salud Carbajal (CA24) Gerald E. Connolly (VA11) | Charlie Crist (FL13) | Derek Kilmer (WA06) | Francis Rooney (FL19) |
2019 Briefings
November 20, 2019 | Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Blue Carbon in the US
This briefing brought together experts in the field of blue carbon to share advances in science and policy and to discuss recommendations for a path to advance blue carbon within the US. Learn more »
September 17, 2019 | National Estuaries Week Hill Exposition
Representatives from government agencies attended to showcase their research and resources for coastal habitats. In its fourth year, this Expo is an informal setting for staffers to interact with the agencies to learn more about exciting projects going on in their home districts. Learn more »
May 16, 2019 | Coastal and Estuarine Resilience: Case Studies from the Pacific Northwest
Regional experts and leaders discussed how collaboration and cooperation among all sectors is combining to enhance the resilience of ecosystems, the restoration of endangered salmon and confront the severe plight of Southern Resident orcas. These species are a central part of the cultural identity, fishing economy and tourism industry of the Pacific Northwest. Learn more »