Silver Spring, Md. – August 1, 2023 – Today, the Biden Administration and NOAA announced a $50M investment in facilities and visitor center upgrades at six different national marine sanctuaries that will benefit coastal communities from the Inflation Reduction Act.  The facilities projects include Monterey Bay ($7 million), Stellwagen Bank ($15 million), Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale ($17 million), Greater Farallones ($2 million), Mallows Bay ($5 million), and Olympic Coast ($3 million) national marine sanctuaries.  

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation released the following statement from President and CEO Joel R. Johnson: 

“National marine sanctuaries are a gateway to the ecological and cultural wonders of our ocean and Great Lakes and the people who live in and near them. Based in local communities but reaching everyone, they connect us with our most special places in our waters.  

“This historic investment in sanctuary infrastructure through the Inflation Reduction Act is a boon to local economies, especially coastal communities on the frontline of climate change. It will lead to greater access to our sanctuaries, grow understanding of our shared history, and spur climate resiliency action. 

“We need to ensure that sanctuaries continue to serve as economic engines for communities, learning and discovery hubs, and sources of hope in the fight against climate change. We applaud NOAA, the Administration, and the sanctuary champions in Congress for making this a priority.” 

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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation directly supports America’s national marine sanctuaries through our mission to protect species, conserve ecosystems and preserve cultural and maritime heritage. We accomplish our mission through community stewardship and engagement programs, on-the-water conservation projects, public education and outreach programs, and scientific research and exploration. The Foundation fosters innovative projects that are solution-oriented, scalable and transferable, and develop strategic partnerships that promote the conservation and recovery of species and their habitats. Learn more at marinesanctuary.org. 

Contact: Chip Weiskotten 

Director of Strategic Communications 

301-754-6134

chip@marinesanctuary.org