U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) has secured $7 million for the construction of a new office for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on the campus of CSU Monterey Bay. The new office will enhance collaboration between NOAA and CSUMB on conservation and research efforts for the sanctuary. It will also strengthen the pipeline of talent for NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary system through hands-on learning opportunities for students. 

This federal funding is part of the $50 million for the construction of new marine sanctuary facilities across the United States that was included in the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. Panetta worked closely with officials from the White House, NOAA, and CSUMB to advocate for that investment in our nation’s marine sanctuaries as well as this local project.

“The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and CSUMB have developed a close working relationship over the past few years, creating breakthroughs in our understanding of this vital marine ecosystem,” said Panetta. “Through this federal funding of this office, we will accelerate the partnership needed to protect the wellbeing of the sanctuary and train the next generation of scientists to become future stewards of this national treasure.”

CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones said the campus community is excited by the news.

“CSUMB has a top-ranked marine science program, and we appreciate Congressman Panetta's ongoing support of our students and university,” Quiñones said. “This move will enhance the opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with marine science professionals through internships and research, and will allow us, in turn, to support NOAA's endeavors.”

The new project follows a model of locating NOAA’s West Coast offices on university campuses. 

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to expand on that successful model with CSU Monterey Bay,” said William J. Douros, Regional Director for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “From the supportive leadership at the university, to the diversity of the programs, faculty and students connecting with Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, to the campus’s central location at the heart of the sanctuary, this promises to be an ideal fit.”

Plans are for the office to be located within CSUMB’s College of Science, immediately adjacent to research laboratories, teaching spaces and faculty offices of the CSUMB Marine Science Program. NOAA plans to collaborate with CSUMB in its applied programs such as seafloor mapping, kelp forest restoration, agriculture businesses, and sustainable tourism.

“A permanent home for MBNMS’s offices adjacent to our nationally recognized marine science program will support each of the sanctuary’s major program areas of research, education, outreach, and resource protection,” said Andrew Lawson, dean of CSUMB’s College of Science. He added that the partnership would strengthen CSUMB’s academic programs by “providing significant learning and career opportunities for students and faculty.”

This announcement was included as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s unveiling of a $2.6 billion framework to invest in coastal climate resilience. The investments will support coastal communities’ resilience to changing climate conditions through funding and technical assistance for capacity building, transformational projects that help protect communities from storms and flooding, the creation of quality climate-related jobs, and improved delivery of climate services to communities and businesses.