Press Release - December 9, 1999

NOAA 99-R424
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Brubeck (360) 394-8330
or Ellen Brody (734) 741-2270

Historic Funding Level Enacted for National Marine Sanctuaries: Announcement Could Bring Greater Opportunities to Thunder Bay

President Clinton signed into law an $11.7 million increase for the nation's national marine sanctuaries, nearly doubling the program's 1999 budget of $14.4 million to $26 million.

This action reflects the nation's growing commitment to the conservation of our oceans and Great Lakes for this and future generations. The National Marine Sanctuary Program is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"National marine sanctuaries help us protect our precious natural and cultural resources," U.S. Secretary of Commerce William M. Daley said. "Thanks to the support of the Administration and Congress, the national marine sanctuaries have been given a generous opportunity to expand their ongoing research and education programs so we can ensure that these national treasures will be here for future generations."

This renewed commitment to the oceans and Great Lakes grew out of The President's Lands Legacy Initiative. The Initiative enables sanctuaries to better protect historic shipwrecks, maintain healthy habitats for endangered and threatened species, and bring the wonders of the sanctuaries to the public through visitor centers.

"If Thunder Bay is designated a National Marine Sanctuary, this budget increase would provide tremendous opportunities for the Sanctuary and surrounding communities," said Ellen Brody, project coordinator for the Proposed Sanctuary. "Increased funding would allow NOAA, in partnership with the State and local communities, to implement sanctuary education, resource protection, and research programs. NOAA and the State would work with the Sanctuary Advisory Council to help prioritize the types of activities that would be funded."

The National Marine Sanctuaries Program's mission is to serve as the trustee for the nation's system of marine protected areas in conserving, protecting, and enhancing their biodiversity, ecological integrity, and cultural legacy. More information about the National Marine Sanctuary Program is available at http://www.sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov.

Back to News & Events