The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco announced today that she will be leaving her position in February. In response, The Nature Conservancy released the following statement today from its Director of the Global Marine Initiative, Lynne Zeitlin Hale:

“Dr. Lubchenco has been an extraordinary leader of NOAA. Her science focus, commitment to collaboration, understanding of the importance of conservation and appreciation for the role that natural infrastructure can play in enhancing the resilience of America’s communities lives have all been hallmarks of her tenure. Her approach and her dedication have been deeply appreciated.

“Her work to rebuild fisheries, advance smart restoration of our coastlines and chart a new course for ocean stewardship have all followed this approach and achieved strong results. Her dedication to the health and conservation of coral reefs for the many benefits they provide to coastal communities—both at home and abroad—is another outstanding example of Dr. Lubchenco’s leadership. 

“We’re also grateful for her strong commitment to collaboration and building real partnerships to achieve the best outcomes even in some of the most challenging times, such as the response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. This approach will help ensure that the rebuilding and restoration work of communities and coastlines will enhance both coastal and community resilience on into the future. 

“We’ve enjoyed working with Dr. Lubchenco, but even more importantly we’ve respected and appreciated her leadership of a far-reaching and vitally important federal agency that does so much to benefit America’s oceans and coastal communities. We wish her well and thank her for all she has accomplished in her four years at NOAA.”