WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following statement was issued by Janis Searles Jones (@InVeritas_Jones), CEO of Ocean Conservancy:

“Today marks a new day in our fight for a healthy ocean and the communities that rely on it. A fair and democratic electoral process that ensures every vote is counted is the foundation of our democracy. The American people have chosen Joe Biden to be the next President of the United States.

After four years of egregious anti-ocean and anti-planet policies that have disproportionately impacted people of color, Ocean Conservancy is ready to work with the new administration and Congress to help re-establish the United States as a global leader in ocean conservation and a meaningful actor on climate change – the single greatest threat facing our ocean.

While there are legal challenges underway, the votes have been counted and Joe Biden has the necessary electoral college votes to win the Presidential Election. As always, we support and encourage a peaceful transition of power – as crucial to the democratic process as counting every vote. As an incredibly difficult election season comes to an end, we are hopeful for the future and committed to tackling the greatest challenges facing our ocean.”