Leadership Awards Dinner – A Memorable Night For All!

In conjunction with CHOW, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation held its annual Leadership Awards Dinner which proved to be especially memorable this year. Ocean icons Dr. Sylvia Earle and Jean-Michel Cousteau received the Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of their outstanding contributions and leadership in ocean science and conservation, and the influential roles they each played in the designation of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. The Foundation also played tribute to Speaker of the House, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, and to Senator Barbara Mikulski, awarding them with the Foundation’s Leadership Award in recognition of their public commitment to marine resource conservation and science.

Dr. Sylvia Earle and Bob Talbot, Chairman of the NMSF Board of Trustees

NMSF President & CEO Lori Arguelles, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and NMSF Board Chair Bob Talbot

Jean-Michel Cousteau and NMSF Board Chair Bob Talbot

NMSF President & CEO Lori Arguelles, Jean-Michel Cousteau, and NMSF Board Chair Bob Talbot

The Foundation was also privileged to honor this year’s recipient of the National Marine Sanctuaries Volunteer of the Year Award -- Mary Cantini of San Francisco, whose volunteer efforts and dedication played a critical role in assisting scientists and officials in responding to the Cosco Busan oil spill in San Francisco Bay last fall.

NMSF President & CEO Lori Arguelles, Mary Cantini, Volunteer of the Year, and Dan Basta, Director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

As an added bonus for the evening’s attendees, a number of public awareness initiatives were launched, calling attention to coral reef conservation and individual responsibility for our ocean’s health.

The Foundation’s Board Chair, acclaimed film maker and producer, Bob Talbot collaborated with the National Marine Sanctuaries to profile these national underwater treasures and inspire individual action to protect and preserve them.

Three-time Grammy winner and Hawaiian composer, Daniel Ho, debuted a composition from his new album “One Ocean – Explore the Quiet and Blue.” The album is a collaborative effort with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation through the Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Action Trust Fund. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Foundation for conservation education in the Pacific region.

Grammy award-winning musician Daniel Ho performs at the Leadership Awards Dinner

Combining elements of the Hawaiian language and the imagery of coral reefs, a new design by artist Sig Zane was unveiled at this year’s Leadership Awards Dinner. Featured styles include a Hawaiian shirt and sundress. A portion of the proceeds from sale of these items will go to the NMSF for coral reef conservation initiatives.

Photo Credit: Jamie Windon, jwindon@mac.com