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Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director Applauds Selection of Jane Lubchenco to Head NOAA

12/18/2008

Statement from Julie Packard, executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, on the announcement that President-elect Barack Obama will appoint Dr. Jane Lubchenco as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the nation’s principal ocean agency.

Background: Julie Packard served on the Pew Oceans Commission, is vice-chair of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and was the 1998 recipient of the Audubon Medal for Conservation.

Dr. Lubchenco is past-president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Ecological Society of America; a MacArthur Fellow; recipient of the Heinz Environmental Medal; and served with Julie Packard on the Pew Oceans Commission, and the boards of trustees for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

MONTEREY, Calif. Dec. 19 – I am absolutely delighted that Jane Lubchenco has been named NOAA Administrator by President-elect Obama. This is a great day for the future of the oceans.

I’ve long had an opportunity to work closely with Dr. Lubchenco. She is an extraordinary scientist who brings great creativity and innovation to addressing the grave threats facing our oceans today. She knows the magnitude of the threats and for decades has demonstrated national leadership in addressing these challenges.

Today, pollution, overfishing and global warming are taking a huge toll on marine life. It’s happening along our coasts, and around the world. Without swift and effective action, we risk causing irreparable damage to ecosystems on which all life depends.

Jane Lubchenco has been an impressive advocate for ocean issues. I’m confident that, under her visionary leadership, NOAA will employ the best science on behalf of the oceans. All of us at the Monterey Bay Aquarium look forward to working with Dr. Lubchenco and the Obama administration to protect and restore the oceans.

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Celebrating 25 Years of Ocean Conservation