Washington, D.C. - Monday, March 3, 2025 - The Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) members and associated businesses oppose current efforts to diminish the critical services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

NOAA is a vital leader and frequent partner in the mission-driven work of ACP members. Established by President Richard Nixon in 1970, NOAA has had the critical responsibility of providing essential information and services that keep our communities safe and our ocean-based economies thriving for over 50 years. Community members, governments, and businesses increasingly rely on NOAA as Americans deal with intensifying storms, flood, sea level rise, uncertain weather patterns, shifts in fisheries and other natural resources, and myriad other related impacts.

Actions to downsize or break apart NOAA, including staff layoffs and deep budget cuts, jeopardize its mission, scientific integrity, and services. If not stopped, further action by the administration to interfere with NOAA’s critical and cost-effective services and mission could endanger the economy, health, public safety, and security of our nation and have trickle effects across the world. Undermining NOAA’s operations could risk the safety of millions of Americans and destabilize countless local industries, from farming and fisheries to energy, insurance and finance, threatening job losses and economic downturn.

To protect our communities, businesses, and life-saving public services, as non-partisan entities, ACP members strongly urge the rejection of any further attempts to diminish NOAA.

See what aquarium and zoo CEOs are saying about the important role NOAA plays in guiding the health and safety of not only our citizens, but of our natural resources, and why we must protect it.

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“The case for supporting science and NOAA is clear. This is no time to dismantle, privatize, or significantly diminish its critical services and functions. We all depend on and benefit from a healthy ocean. Now it’s time to join the broad – and growing – coalition that’s stepping up to tell our elected representatives they must halt this ill-considered attack.” - Julie Packard, Executive Director, Monterey Bay Aquarium

“NOAA provides many services that directly impact Iowa, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of America. If these services are lost because of a restructuring of NOAA, these areas will see immediate and dire consequences. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium participates in NOAA Youth Engagement. We belong to the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers network, a consortium of 25 aquariums and marine science education centers located across North America that reaches over 20 million people to engage the public in protecting coastal and marine ecosystems.” - Kurt Strand, President & CEO, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

"For many years the California Academy of Sciences has worked side by side with NOAA on real-world actions that sustain and even regenerate vital marine life, from fragile coral reefs to national marine sanctuaries. When NOAA’s funding and workforce is at risk, so are our oceans and our communities. I join my colleagues in urging Congress to reject cuts that would compromise NOAA’s ability to carry out its critical mission." - Scott Sampson, PhD, Executive Director, California Academy of Sciences

“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

“The more we know about the world around us, the better prepared we are to protect it. Agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fuel industries that feed millions, its technology warns us of the dangers ahead, and its partnerships bridge science and action, uniting global governments, businesses, and communities in a shared responsibility to protect our natural world.  NOAA has been a critical collaborator of Shedd Aquarium for many years, working to protect vulnerable aquatic life and ecosystems that all Americans rely on—sometimes without even realizing it. Regardless of your political affiliation, if you support healthy futures for the next generation, you support the work of NOAA.” - Dr. Bridget C. Coughlin, President & CEO, Shedd Aquarium

"The Seattle Aquarium relies on NOAA’s critical work in marine conservation, research, and education to advance our mission of inspiring marine stewardship. As the life support system of our planet, the ocean plays a vital role in sustaining all life, and our waters are connected in ways that transcend geographic boundaries. From protecting endangered species to promoting climate resilience and ensuring sustainable fisheries, NOAA’s efforts are essential to the health of our ocean and coastal communities. We urge Congress to continue investing in NOAA’s vital work for the benefit of our community, our economy, and our shared ocean." - Robert W. Davidson, President & CEO , Seattle Aquarium