honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, June 22, 2003

NOAA picks manager for humpback sanctuary

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has named Naomi McIntosh as manager for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

McIntosh had served as acting manager since September 2000. She was named manager June 15.

McIntosh oversees more than 1,300 square miles of one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats. The sanctuary, established in 1997, is assigned to protect the North Pacific population of endangered humpback whales.

"We are pleased that she will continue her stewardship of these important resources," said Richard W. Spinrad, assistant administrator for the NOAA National Ocean Service.

The National Marine Sanctuary program seeks to increase public awareness of America's maritime heritage by conducting scientific research, monitoring, exploration and educational programs. There are 13 national marine sanctuaries encompassing more than 18,000 square miles of America's ocean and Great Lakes resources. The sanctuary program is working to incorporate the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve into the national sanctuary system.

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.