Silver Spring, Md. – December 8, 2023 – The Biden-Harris Administration released the first-ever U.S. Ocean Justice Strategy to advance environmental justice for communities that rely on the ocean and Great Lakes for economic, cultural, spiritual, recreational, and food security purposes.

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation President and CEO Joel R. Johnson releases the following statement:

“The Blue Economy should be open to everyone. A healthy ocean is a right and key to protecting nature and people. The National Ocean Justice Strategy, created by and with the people who will benefit from environmental justice, should forever guide how we make marine protected areas.

“The National Ocean Justice Strategy elevates the multi-use nature of our ocean and great lakes so disenfranchised people’s history and culture, as well as their economic opportunity, is better protected.”

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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