
The National Ocean Protection Coalition (NOPC) mission is to convene people and organizations to strategically activate our collective power to create and enhance equitable and effective U.S. marine protected areas.
NOPC believes that a vibrant ocean, filled with thriving wildlife and flourishing habitats, and resilient to the effects of climate change will allow nature to sustain all people, communities, and life on earth.
Our coalition includes groups representing national, regional, and local perspectives from across the U.S. and includes Tribal leaders, racial justice advocates, scientists, faith leaders, conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, fishers and more.
Together, we work to create and support marine protected areas – special places in the ocean that, much like national parks on land, serve as a refuge for the wildlife that call these underwater places home and help to ensure a healthy ocean for the benefit of all.
Our Staff
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Miriam C. Goldstein, Ph.D.
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Erin Eastwood
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Kendall Ford
Our Leadership Team
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Kirsten Grorud-Colvert
Associate Professor – Senior Research
Oregon State University
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Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš
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Sally Hardin
Vice President for Strategy and Advocacy
U.S. Nature Initiative
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Angelo Villagomez
Senior Fellow, Conservation Policy and Domestic Climate
Center for American Progress

Our Funders
The National Ocean Protection Coalition is grateful to our donors whose contributions support our work to protect our ocean and marine wildlife. Their support inspires others to care for and protect our ocean’s special places.