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Sanctuary Voices
Dr. Jane Lubchenco
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator
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| Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., was confirmed as the new administrator of NOAA. Dr. Lubchenco, a marine ecologist and former professor at Oregon State University, is the first female NOAA administrator. |
I first discovered my love of the ocean as a college student in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, setting in motion a lifetime of work dedicated to the understanding and protection of the marine environment. More than 30 years of teaching marine biology and environmental science only increased my fascination with the wonders of the sea, and has made me keenly aware of the need for responsible stewardship of our underwater treasures.
Today, as the new administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, I am both deeply concerned and galvanized by the challenges we face in being good stewards of the marine environment.
Our climate is changing. Sea levels are rising, the ocean is acidifying, seawater temperatures are warming, and some of our most precious marine resources are in danger. Indeed, climate change is one of the most significant issues of our time, with potentially severe consequences for our environment, our economy and our national security.
In the face of these daunting challenges, I am inspired by our opportunity to make meaningful changes for our nation and environment. As symbols of the oceanís beauty and wonder, NOAAís national marine sanctuaries and other marine protected areas play a crucial role in driving these changes. Sanctuaries help protect some of the nationís most treasured ecological, cultural and historical underwater resources, and provide us with places to focus the importance of ocean conservation efforts.
The ocean is vast, covering nearly three-quarters of the Earthís surface, but by breaking it down into smaller geographical and ecologically cohesive areas, it can be studied, managed and protected. National marine sanctuaries serve as ìsentinel sitesî where diverse research and monitoring efforts contribute to our knowledge of the ocean on a larger scale.
The sanctuaries provide ideal places to conduct the critical science necessary to understand and address the changes taking place in our oceans and atmosphere. For us to be able to make informed policy and management decisions, we urgently need to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how ocean ecosystems work, especially in light of climate change and ocean acidification.
I have found that Americans want five main things from the sea: clean beaches, safe and healthy seafood, stable fisheries, abundant wildlife, and vibrant coastal communities. If we are to ensure that our grandchildren will be able to enjoy those and other basic benefits, we need to take decisive action to protect the marine environment.
We have reached a pivotal moment in the struggle to protect the health of our underwater treasures for future generations. I am hopeful that through a combination of strong science, effective management and dedicated leadership, NOAA and the national marine sanctuaries will be able to help restore the oceanís health and productivity so that we can continue to benefit from its bounty for years to come.
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