May 17, 2014 — Calling the establishment of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary one of the greatest highlights in his long career as a lawmaker, Leon Panetta said he was pleased to spend his Saturday at a sanctuary celebration on the century-old Santa Cruz Wharf.
"It's always a thrill to be able to come to Santa Cruz, particularly on this day to honor the 100-year history of this wharf," said Panetta, whose lengthy public service career includes serving as the Secretary of Defense, Director of the CIA, and as Chief of Staff for President Bill Clinton. "Today we're celebrating our history, the people who worked hard, the beauty of the ocean, and particularly the sanctuary we created out here."
The free event featured live music, educational activities, EcoTours, arts and crafts, and exhibits from a host of environmental and aquatic organizations.
It was kicked off with welcoming remarks from Panetta, Rep. Sam Farr, Assemblyman Mark Stone, master of ceremonies Geoffrey Dunn, Santa Cruz Mayor Lynn Robinson and Dan Haifley, who was the executive director of Save Our Shores when the nonprofit advocated for approval of the largest boundary for the proposed sanctuary, extending from off Marin County south to northern San Luis Obispo County.
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary was established in 1992 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the 11th of 14 marine areas designated for resource protection, research, education and public use. The latter includes commercial fishing and recreational activities such as diving, boating, kayaking and surfing. The boundary of the federally protected Monterey Bay sanctuary stretches along 276 miles of coastline from Marin County to Cambria and extends about 30 miles offshore.
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