NOAA announces recipients of Sea to Shining Sea
Excellence in Interpretation and Education Award

Jennifer Stock, education and outreach coordinator at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and the team that coordinated the 2013 Ocean for Life program at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary are recipients of NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries first annual Sea to Shining Sea Excellence in Interpretation and Education Award.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the fields of interpretation and environmental education by national marine sanctuary employees, contractors and volunteers. Nominees for the Sea to Shining Sea award are judged for their creativity and success in enhancing the public's understanding of the National Marine Sanctuary System and the resources it protects.

"National marine sanctuaries are living classrooms where people can see, touch and learn about the nation's spectacular marine life and rich maritime history," said Daniel J. Basta, director. "To that end, we rely on our interpreters and educators to help the public understand the role of the ocean, coasts, and atmosphere in the global ecosystem and to instill an ocean ethic that will touch the hearts and minds of the public."

Stock received the individual award for her leadership and inspired vision in working with the Oakland Museum of California to design a major exhibit highlighting the importance of California's marine and coastal resources with particular emphasis on Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

The Ocean for Life team was recognized for its work organizing and hosting a two-week marine science and cultural exchange program at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary that draws inspiration from the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. The program brings together students of diverse backgrounds from North America and the Middle East to explore marine science and conservation, while fostering new cross-cultural relationships.

The Sea to Shining Sea Awards will be presented at the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) annual workshop in Reno, Nev., November 6-9, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service's Gifford Pinchot Award, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Sense of Wonder Award, the National Park Service's Freeman Tilden Award, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Hiram M. Chittenden Award, and NAI's Master Front-Line Interpreter and Master Interpretive Manager awards.

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries serves as trustee for a system of 14 marine protected areas, encompassing more than 170,000 square miles of America's ocean and Great Lakes waters. Through active research, management, and public engagement, national marine sanctuaries sustain healthy environments that are the foundation for thriving communities and stable economies.

NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on
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