Through this new award, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries intends to recognize outstanding achievement in the fields of interpretation and environmental education for its employees, contractors and volunteers on an annual basis. Nominees for this award are judged by their demonstrated success in advancing ocean and climate literacy and conservation through national marine sanctuaries, as well as through their innovation and creative solutions in successfully enhancing the public's understanding of the National Marine Sanctuary System and the resources it protects.

The recipients for this year's award are:

1. The Excellence in Interpretation and Education as an Individual Award winner is:

Jennifer Stock, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Jennifer is recognized for her leadership and inspired vision in working with the Oakland Museum of California to design and fabricate a major exhibit to improve public understanding of the importance of California's marine and coastal resources with particular emphasis on Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Jennifer's work exemplifies and combines innovative interpretive approaches to presenting current marine-science-related research with how to become active stewards of the environment.

2. The Excellence in Interpretation and Education as a Team Award winner is:

Ocean for Life Team: Claire Fackler, Tracy Hajduk, Mike Murray, Julie Bursek, Laura Francis and Rocio Lozano-Knowlton The Ocean for Life Team is recognized for their hard work in organizing and hosting a two-week international marine science and cultural exchange program hosted at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary that was created to inspire a more peaceful and tolerant world, dawning from the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The program brings together students of diverse backgrounds from North America and the Middle East to explore marine science and develop a stewardship ethic for the ocean while fostering new cross-cultural relationships.

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is extremely proud to be taking part in this prestigious award ceremony at the National Association for Interpretation's Annual Workshop. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries' "Sea to Shining Sea Award" will be presented in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service's "Gifford Pinchot Award," the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's "Sense of Wonder Award," the National Park Service's "Freeman Tilden Award," the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' "Hiram M. Chittenden Award," and NAI's "Master Front-Line Interpreter" and "Master Interpretive Manager" Awards. Some of these awards have been given for more than 30 years. It is fitting for sanctuaries to be at the forefront for interpretation and education alongside some of the country's best interpreters.

On Thursday, November 7, 2013, the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries presented the inaugural Sea to Shining Sea: Excellence in Interpretation and Education award at the National Association for Interpretation's Annual Workshop held in Reno, Nevada.

Beautiful whale tail awards and certificates were presented to Claire Fackler and Julie Bursek who represented the 2013 Ocean for Life Team, which also included Tracy Hajduk and the following Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary staff, Rocio Lozano-Knowlton, Laura Francis and Michael Murray. Ocean for Life is made possible through a partnership of U.S. government agencies and private entities, as well as the effort of far too many people to list. Special thanks to the 2013 sponsors: the Qatar Foundation International, Khaled bin Sultan's Living Oceans Foundation and The Ettinger Foundation and extra thanks to our major partner the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

Also awarded was Jennifer Stock, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, for her leadership and vision in developing a vibrant new partnership with the Oakland Museum of California and assisting in the implementation of the permanent Cordell Bank gallery at the Oakland Museum of California.

From L-R: Claire Fackler and Julie Bursek, representing the Ocean for Life team and Jennifer Stock, the individual award recipient.