Sea Czar
Obama picks former Aquarium trustee to head NOAA
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Greenhouse gases beware: former Monterey Bay Aquarium trustee, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, a vocal scientist in the fight against global warming, will lead the nation’s principal ocean agency.
President-elect Barack Obama named Lubchenco as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator on Dec. 18. Lubchenco, an Oregon State University professor is one of the nation's premier marine biologists.
Following the appointment, Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard issued a statement.
“I am absolutely delighted that Jane Lubchenco has been named NOAA Administrator by President-elect Obama,” said Packard, who served with Lubchenco on the Pew Oceans Commission, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. “This is a great day for the future of the oceans.
“I’ve long had an opportunity to work closely with Dr. Lubchenco. She is an extraordinary scientist who brings great creativity and innovation to addressing the grave threats facing our oceans today. She knows the magnitude of the threats and for decades has demonstrated national leadership in addressing these challenges.
“Today, pollution, overfishing and global warming are taking a huge toll on marine life. It’s happening along our coasts, and around the world. Without swift and effective action, we risk causing irreparable damage to ecosystems on which all life depends.
“Jane Lubchenco has been an impressive advocate for ocean issues. I’m confident that, under her visionary leadership, NOAA will employ the best science on behalf of the oceans. All of us at the Monterey Bay Aquarium look forward to working with Dr. Lubchenco and the Obama administration to protect and restore the oceans.”
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