Conserving and Celebrating Our National Marine Sanctuaries
What is the measure of a decade?
We can calculate it in time: 10 years; 521 weeks; 3,652 days. Or we can calculate it in achievement: the start of a new nonprofit, born from a dream of several individuals and forged into a leading voice for ocean conservation. The Foundation has grown from a single grant of $250,000 and one volunteer, to an annual budget of almost $7 million and a staff of seven. We've organized and administered hallmark programs relating to ocean policy and ocean awareness.
This annual report takes you on a journey back through time to a decade ago, when the Foundation was first established, and then carries you through a rich and impressive history of innovation, ingenuity, dedication, and tenacity that has left an indelible mark on ocean conservation. Whether it is supporting events and visitor centers located in local communities across the nation or sponsoring major programs in our nation's capital and with national reach, the Foundation has sought to educate and inspire Americans to serve as better stewards of our ocean.
That mission, and the track record of achievement over our first 10 years, serves as our launching pad for the next 10 years. Sylvia Earle, Trustee Emerita of the Foundation, has said that with respect to our ocean and our planet, the next 10 years will help shape the next 10,000 years. So what we do now as individuals and as a society is critically important, and our future lies in the balance. For the Foundation, that means strengthening and expanding our national marine sanctuaries to serve as pillars of a healthy ocean and as portals to a sea beyond. It means working with partners across the nation, across public and private sectors, across industries and stakeholders on successful policy outcomes, education and outreach programs, and research and conservation activities. We can achieve these ambitious goals only with your support.
What is the measure of a decade? It is time. It is achievement. And it is opportunity.
Warmest regards,
Jason M. Patlis
President and CEO
