Washington, D.C. – The following is a statement from Janis Searles Jones (@InVeritas_Jones), CEO of Ocean Conservancy, on the recent killings in Atlanta and the growing anti-Asian hate and violence in America:

“Ocean Conservancy condemns unequivocally the anti-Asian hate and violence that has been spreading in our country since the start of the pandemic. The murder of eight individuals in Georgia, including six Asian women, is impossible to separate from the rising tide of hate and violence against Asian people and communities in America. We denounce the hateful and false narratives spread during the COVID pandemic that continue to endanger the rights, freedoms and safety of Asian Americans. The Asian American community is a vital part of the ocean and conservation community – they are our colleagues, friends and partners. We call for justice as we offer our condolences to the families who are mourning the loss of a loved one today.”