Contact: John Robinson  				FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                (831) 647-4237			            2/7/97
               

President Clinton Submits Budget Increase for 
National Marine Sanctuaries

	A proposed $1.5 million budget increase for national marine sanctuaries for 
1998 was announced yesterday by D. James Baker, administrator of the Commerce 
DepartmentÕs National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The increase, 
contained in the PresidentÕs budget, brings funding for the nationÕs leading marine 
protection program to $13.2 million.
	ÒThe AdministrationÕs support for marine sanctuaries will allow us to meet 
the new challenges to manage sanctuary waters off California, Hawaii and Florida,Ó 
said Stephanie Thornton, director of the sanctuary program.  ÒWe can also begin to 
expand local successes such as the Monterey Bay SanctuaryÕs research and Water 
Quality Protection Program to other sanctuaries and even nationally,Ó she added. 

	The National Marine Sanctuary Program was created in 1972 in response to 
public concern over the declining health of the marine environment. Today 12 
marine sanctuaries protect over 18,000 square miles of open ocean and near-shore 
waters, coral reefs and kelp forest habitats, and the many and varied ocean creatures 
that call the ocean home.  Sanctuary staff work with local communities to balance 
long-term protection of the marine environment with continued recreational and 
commercial enjoyment.

	ÓTwenty-five years ago, this nation made an investment in preserving its 
marine heritage. Today we see the returns on that investment in the form of greater 
understanding of and protection for our oceans,Ó said Thornton.

	National marine sanctuaries are administered by the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the Commerce Department.

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