6 National Marine Sanctuaries to Receive $50m Investment in Community Facilities

Image by Guillaume Merle.

As of August 1, 2023, the Department of Commerce and NOAA have announced a substantial investment of nearly $50 million, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, for infrastructural enhancements at six national marine sanctuaries nationwide. This initiative is aimed at increasing the resiliency of these facilities, including visitor and community centers, against climate change. The funding will also boost the facilities' research and conservation capabilities and raise public awareness about caring for our coasts, the Great Lakes, and oceans.

One of the investment's significant components is a $7 million allocation for a new office space for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This office will be situated in a new science building on the California State University Monterey Bay campus. It will foster collaboration with the university on various programs, including seafloor mapping, kelp forest restoration, agriculture businesses, and sustainable tourism, replicating the successful co-location arrangements between NOAA and other University of California campuses.

“NOAA’s national marine sanctuaries facilities are a gateway to our greatest underwater treasures — and key to maintaining them,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This funding will help ensure facilities are resilient in a changing climate, and represent President Biden’s commitment to investing in America and furthering the conservation and restoration of our coasts and Great Lakes.”

“NOAA’s facilities — many of which are located along the coast and Great Lakes — are not immune from climate hazards,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “This funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will strengthen NOAA’s sanctuary facilities so they are prepared for climate change, and able to better serve visitors as they explore and learn about our ocean and coasts.”

“This investment in the future of national marine sanctuaries could not have come at a better time as many of our sanctuaries have a backlog of infrastructure and deferred maintenance projects,” said John Armor, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “This funding will improve access at facilities across the country, enhance climate resilience, and help us create a sense of shared stewardship for America's most iconic natural and cultural marine resources.”