First wave of NOAA and Marine Sanctuary staff lose their jobs.
Silver Spring, Md. – February 27, 2025 – This week, the Trump Administration initiated a wave of mass layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), impacting America’s network of underwater parks that millions of Americans enjoy, our national marine sanctuaries. Unscheduled layoffs ahead of peak tourist and research seasons force tough decisions about operations, visitor centers, small boat missions, and community programs. Reductions in staff jeopardize public safety, resource protection, and local livelihoods dependent on these public waters
America’s national marine sanctuaries, managed by NOAA, are historically underfunded, and understaffed compared to other federal public land and waters. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and national marine sanctuary communities across the country are asking the White House and Secretary Lutnick to prioritize restoring NOAA’s workforce to protect these treasured places, ensuring coastal families and local businesses are not left to fend for themselves in the face of challenges like entangled endangered whales, oil spills, and marine heatwaves.
Joel R. Johnson, president and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, released the following statement on the massive staffing cuts across NOAA:
“The mass layoffs of NOAA employees this week are a devastating blow to the health of our national marine sanctuaries and the coastal communities that depend on them. Over 9.5 million coastal residents live adjacent to sanctuaries based on US census data. With zero public input, and no report to Congress or Governors, America has lost dedicated scientists, enforcement officers, and environmental specialists who safeguard our most iconic waters in over a dozen states. These cuts weaken the public-private partnerships that drive research, monitoring, and emergency response efforts, jeopardizing fisheries, local tourism, and recreation that generate billions for sanctuary communities across the country.
“National marine sanctuaries are economic anchors, protecting people, nature, and property while preserving America’s maritime history. With families preparing for spring break, teachers seeking outdoor classrooms, and businesses gearing up for peak tourism, NOAA staff shortages leave sanctuaries and communities vulnerable. Imagine a whale-watching tour setting out at dawn encountering an oil spill from an abandoned vessel threatening the summer season. The Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary is actively removing the Verna, a derelict vessel fouling a California beach that receives over 50,000 visitors a year. Without NOAA’s full capacity, who will protect and restore these waters, which also include USS Monitor and other historic shipwrecks that were the final resting places of American sailors and soldiers?
“The Trump Administration and Secretary Lutnick should be fully transparent on the extent of these layoffs, including which roles were affected at NOAA. The public deserves to know how this loss will impact sanctuary management requirements under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, American businesses reliant on sanctuaries, and our maritime heritage. Restoring NOAA’s workforce must be a priority to safeguard these treasured places in our ocean and Great Lakes for current and future generations.”
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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
ch**@ma*************.org