James Crowley Ocean Conservation Fund

The James Crowley Ocean Conservation Fund is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of Sanctuary ecosystems and the habitats and wildlife within, in honor of James (Jim) Crowley. Among many impressive endeavors, Jim was a dedicated supporter of national marine sanctuaries, a conscientious advocate for transformative ocean protection, and a dear friend to many across the wide ocean community. This Fund honors his commitment to ocean conservation through support for projects and initiatives that focus on restoring and safeguarding vital marine ecosystems within Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, encompassing some of the most biodiverse ocean ecosystems on Earth.

Jim’s affinity for the ocean began at a young age with a small skiff and a 4 HP motor in which he spent blissful summer days exploring the waters and species of New Jersey’s Great Egg Harbor Bay. His appreciation of natural marine habitats progressed over a long career, from sailing on Long Island Sound and racing and cruising international waters, to his Trusteeship of the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation.

Inspired by a profound respect for our oceans and concern about the implications of pressures on them by environmental and human forces, he advanced many public and private policies related to ocean conservation. With passion and optimism, Jim backed projects to restore and protect endangered wetlands, coral reefs, sea grasses, and kelp forests and by extension, the wildlife that depend on them. Exemplary of his commitment to national marine sanctuaries, he visited each and every one, and made frequent visits to several. Each visit strengthened his conviction that good science and community engagement are vital in addressing critical loss of local habitat and preserving the larger marine environment.

With a long and impressive career in management, and corporate and not-for-profit governance, Jim brought a realistic focus to the planning, management, scientific, and funding requirements essential for effective oceans restorations projects. In honor of these commitments and his ocean legacy, the James Crowley Ocean Conservation Fund has been established at Greater Farallones Association.

Thank you for your donation in memory of James Crowley.

Your contribution will go toward restoring and preserving important marine habitats in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, with a current focus on:

    • Kelp forest. Bull kelp forests have declined by an estimated 90% on California’s north coast since 2014 due to a combination of stressors including climate-related impacts. Countless marine species rely on this habitat for food, shelter, and nursery grounds. This Fund will provide essential support toward kelp restoration activities at four key sites in the Sanctuary. 
    • Coastal wetlands. Greater Farallones Association works alongside Sanctuaries to restore and create resilience for Sanctuary wetlands that are threatened by biodiversity loss, sea level rise, and erosion. Our focus is currently on Bolinas Lagoon—a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance—where we work to remove invasive species and are taking important steps to restore degraded shoreline habitat through the creation of a living shoreline.
    • Sandy beach habitats. With increasing climate change impacts like sea level rise and coastal erosion, we must act now to protect beach ecosystems. Many animals from tiny crabs to enormous elephant seals depend on sandy beach habitat for survival. Through science-informed action, we are working alongside Sanctuaries to preserve Sanctuary shores, restore natural sediment flow, and mitigate further damage.