Contact:  Justin Kenney            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                   5/21/96

THORNTON NAMED HEAD OF NOAA NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY AND NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE PROGRAMS

Marine scientist, businesswoman, and conservationist Stephanie Revesz Thornton has been named head of NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries and National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

In announcing her appointment, Commerce Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere D. James Baker cited Thornton's diverse experience in the marine field.

"Ms. Thornton's diverse marine experience, with special expertise in fisheries, makes her an ideal candidate to lead the marine sanctuary and estuarine reserve programs," Baker said. "I hope our many sanctuary and reserves friends around the country share our excitement in finding a candidate of Ms. Thornton's caliber."

"From my experiences as a commercial fisherman, fisheries biologist and conservationist, I have a special appreciation for the importance of preserving our oceans and coasts for this and succeeding generations," Thornton said. "National marine sanctuaries and estuarine research reserves represent the best examples of citizens working with their government to secure a future that includes healthy coasts and oceans. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my experience to this important cause, and look forward to building on the many successes these programs have had over the past 25 years."

Thornton has a bachelor's degree in fisheries biology from Humbolt State University and a master's in business administration from Golden Gate University. She began her career as a fisheries biologist with the California Fish and Game Department and later worked for NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service as an onboard fisheries observer. The Governor of California appointed Thornton to serve on the Pacific States Fisheries Commission from 1982-86. Recently she served as the executive director of the California Coastal Resources Center for eight years.

Thornton will serve as the director of the 12 national marine sanctuaries and 22 national estuarine research reserves. These complementing programs protect the nation's estuarine and marine environments through coordinated management, research and education. National marine sanctuaries protect over 17,500 square miles of kelp forest, coral reef, open ocean and sandy bottom habitats. National estuarine research reserves protect almost 425,000 acres of pristine salt marsh, mangrove, upland forest and sandy beach habitats. Together the programs work with state and local governments, businesses, universities, conservation groups and citizen volunteers to ensure the long-term sustainability of the coastal and marine environments.

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