Protecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Established by President Richard Nixon in 1970, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has provided life-saving weather forecasting, scientific research, and emergency preparedness services to the American people for more than 50 years. Whether it's tracking hurricanes or safeguarding the country's fisheries, NOAA is vital to the everyday lives and operations of countless communities and businesses across our nation and globe. The National Aquarium has joined more than 900 U.S. businesses and organizations urging Congress to uphold NOAA's critical services and functions. We, along with several other Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) members and associated businesses, have released an additional statement pushing for Congress to maintain and invest in NOAA:

"NOAA provides a host of critical functions that serve our national interest. As the trustee of America's underwater parks and monuments, NOAA protects hundreds of thousands of square miles of ecologically important marine and Great Lakes waters. NOAA scientists lead efforts to combat the decline of coral reefs and preserve irreplaceable aquatic ecosystems that protect 129 million coastal-dwelling Americans from the impacts of storms and floods. NOAA fisheries managers ensure the sustainability of a pivotal American industry that supports millions of jobs and drives billions of dollars in economic impact. NOAA coordinates marine mammal conservation and oversees the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. NOAA's sophisticated, accurate weather data forms the backbone of weather forecasts worldwide, providing climate intelligence that protects all Americans across every sector of our economy. The work of NOAA's dedicated public servants is vital and I shudder to contemplate the impacts of losing these crucial services." —John Racanelli, President & CEO of the National Aquarium