Washington, D.C. – The following statement was issued by Janis Searles Jones, CEO of Ocean Conservancy, in response to the Biden Administration releasing the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report:

“The Biden-Harris administration is rising to the challenge of delivering a healthy environment for people and nature with the release of its “America the Beautiful” report. This vision for the future of the country’s lands, waters and ocean is thoughtful, inclusive and grounded in science, all of which will help secure a healthy future for our ocean and all who rely on it. This is an opportunity for cooperative actions that preserve biodiversity, address the climate crisis and protect coastal livelihoods. As the work begins to expand conservation across America over the next decade, we’re excited to work with the administration to ensure truly lasting ocean conservation that equitably benefits all Americans.

Ocean and coastal ecosystems and communities can deliver the conservation vision laid out by the Administration while also helping advance social justice. The respect for Tribal sovereignty and recognizing the longstanding leadership of Tribal Nations when it comes to environmental stewardship is long overdue and we look forward to working with and supporting the priorities of Tribal leaders and peoples to champion Indigenous-led conservation. We also support the recognition of and commitment to engage with fishing communities as valuable partners in conserving and managing the natural resources they rely on.  We are glad to see that throughout the report it recognizes the role of conserving and restoring coastal ecosystems to create and protect jobs in coastal economies, increase community resilience, and protect our ocean from climate impacts.”

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Ocean Conservancy experts are available for interviews upon request

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