The Coastal Marine Resource Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation
of the New York - New Jersey Harbor Bight by integrating ecological science and community
concerns to produce equitable environmental policy.
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Dear Friends and CMRC Members,
The CMRC starts out 2008 with new leadership, a dedicated Board of Directors, supporters, and friends.
Our founders and new staff extend their appreciation to the many CMRC supporters and volunteers who have
helped bring CMRC many successes in the last several years.
The New York - New Jersey Harbor Estuary and Bight face numerous challenges in the coming years,
decades, and centuries. Looming on the horizon are:
- large increases in coastal populations
- the need to upgrade critical environmental infrastructure
- climate change and sea level risks
- declining and faltering ocean fish populations
- the need to coordinate ocean and coastal policy
- the need to adequately fund research and the governments, institutions, and nonprofits that provide invaluable services to protect ecological integrity in our region.
How can one small nonprofit address so many critical challenges? By starting out small with idealism, energy, and a systems perspective of the challenges.
The CMRC is poised to continue the outstanding and selfless work of its founder and former executive director, Joel Banslaben, by bringing untraditional allies into the environmental conversation and promoting activities that protect our estuarine resources.
For example, our Business Stewardship Program provides the following services:
- a speakers series on what it means to really be "green" in New York City and the region
- a recognition program for businesses that are exemplary stewards of the New York - New Jersey Harbor Estuary
- a regional environmental volunteer network launched to connect volunteers with local environmental projects
- a sustainable seafood and harbor estuary stewards program for local restaurants.
There's much more to come. We welcome your input, your support, and your energy.
See you in the water!
Cortney Worrall
January 26, 2008
Executive Director, The Coastal Marine Resource Center
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