WASHINGTON, D.C. March 3, 2017– The following statement was issued by Jeff Watters, Director of Government Relations at Ocean Conservancy, in reaction to proposed budget cuts for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by the Trump administration:

“The reported numbers for NOAA represent a disturbing trend and a willingness from the administration to walk away from our coastal communities.

“These cuts are a slap in the face to the American economic engine that is our ocean and coastal communities.

“The reported cuts would drastically undermine our ability to conduct important research and services that directly benefit fishermen, oyster growers and other coastal businesses.”

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Jeff Watters is available for interviews upon request.

Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.