The Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary protects an area of 399 square nautical miles (529 square miles) off the northern California coast. The Sanctuary encompasses brilliant and diverse marine life, above and below the water.

Josh Churchman, a commercial fisherman, surfer, and ocean lover from Bolinas, California, was named national volunteer of the year by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) at a June 9th ceremony in Washington, DC, during Capitol Hill Ocean Week.

"Josh is an incredible role model for citizen involvement in NOAA's work to protect the marine environment," said Joy Williams, acting president and CEO of the Foundation. "As a commercial fisherman who has been working the Cordell Bank area for 30 years, Josh knows the ocean better than most and is a credible and courageous sanctuary advocate who truly understands the need to conserve our precious ocean resources."

Josh was a charter member of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) advisory council and has made significant contributions in many areas during his seven years of service. During Josh’s multiple terms on the council he represented the local maritime community and contributed to completion of the CBNMS management plan, which is blueprint for future management and protection of the sanctuary. Josh was also a primary participant in the sanctuary working group to develop an important socio-economic fishing profile for Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones national marine sanctuaries.

Josh has made major contributions to the sanctuary by offering his expertise in support of sanctuary submersible surveys, helping to locate harmful marine debris in the sanctuary and he provided assistance and the use of his boat for sanctuary efforts to conduct important marine life surveys and an albatross tagging program.

"Josh is a unique person who loves the ocean and considers taking care of the ocean his responsibility," said Dan Howard, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary superintendent. "He has been an important contributor to our efforts to protect and preserve the Cordell Bank over the last seven years and this award is a great way to say thanks."

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the private, non-profit partner to NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. The Foundation supports efforts to educate and motivate people on ways they can help preserve, protect and promote our nationwide network of marine sanctuaries. The 14 sites within the National Marine Sanctuary System protect special places in the oceans and Great Lakes, from the Florida Keys to the Hawaiian Islands and from Lake Huron to the Gulf of Mexico. For more information, visit www.nmsfocean.org.

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