Assembly Resolution No. 455

BY: M. of A. Thiele

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 16-23, 2017, as Estuaries Week in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to increase public
awareness of, and appreciation for, the natural resources of this great
Empire State, as well as recognize the role all citizens have in
protecting the environment and the quality of life within New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is moved to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 16-23, 2017, as Estuaries
Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Estuaries Week; and

WHEREAS, Estuaries are unique coastal environments that support more
life per square inch than any other ecosystem on Earth, providing
habitat for countless species of fish, shellfish, birds, and marine
mammals; and

WHEREAS, Estuaries provide numerous services to coastal populations,
acting as a first line of defense against storms, rising sea levels, and
the effects of climate change as well as a natural water filtration
system; and

WHEREAS, The New York State estuarine regions support approximately
85% of the New York State population and 45% of the State Gross Domestic
Product (GDP); and

WHEREAS, Preserving the fish habitats and populations will also
preserve New York's recreational and commercial fishing industries which
generate over $2.2 billion annually; 41% of that revenue comes from the
harvest of estuarine-dependent species; and

WHEREAS, Maintaining clean shorelines attracts millions of tourists
and locals who come to the New York coasts for recreational activities,
an industry which added $12.2 billion to the economy in 2004; and

WHEREAS, New York State is home to three estuaries of National
Significance, the Peconic Estuary, Long Island Sound and the New
York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary, and two estuaries of state-wide
significance, the South Shore Estuary Reserve and the Hudson River
Estuary; these areas, as well as many smaller estuaries, are integral to
the environment, economy, and quality of life in New York State; and

WHEREAS, Protecting and restoring our estuaries is vital to our
local and national economy because they sustain the fisheries which feed
America, ensure outdoor recreational opportunities for current and
future generations, reduce the costly impacts of natural hazards, and
support local jobs which cannot be exported; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 16-23, 2017,
as Estuaries Week in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.