The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) Foundation is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the prestigious Sea Star Awards. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose innovative work have made lasting impacts on raising stewardship, and promoting research, resource protection, and sustainable uses of the sanctuary. The Panetta Sea Star (named after Secretary Leon Panetta, who is co-chair of the MBNMS Foundation) is the highest honor for extraordinary contributions to marine conservation. The honorees will be celebrated on Oct. 5 at the Sea Stars Gala, a fundraiser at Clint Eastwood’s Tehama Golf Club in Carmel Valley.
The 2024 Sea Stars:
• William J. Douros – Panetta Sea Star
Douros is being honored for his exceptional contributions to marine conservation through his leadership roles at MBNMS and as West Coast regional director since 2006. He led the sanctuary expansion in 2008 to include Davidson Seamount and established the Sanctuary Exploration Center, leaving an indelible mark on ocean protection.
• Lora Lee Martin – Research
A key figure in advancing marine science in Monterey Bay, Martin’s efforts to build collaboration and attract federal research agencies have greatly enhanced the region’s research capabilities. “The Monterey Bay Crescent is home to some of the world’s greatest scientific expertise with the mission of understanding our oceans and earth systems,” Martin said. “It has been an honor to play a role in building the foundation for future discovery.”
• Bridget Hoover – Resource Protection
Hoover, for over 20 years, led critical water quality management programs for the sanctuary including community-driven initiatives like Snapshot Day, Citizen Watershed Monitoring Network, First Flush and Urban Watch. These programs empower local volunteers to contribute to citizen science for improved water quality protection.
• Shared Adventures/Day on the Beach – Business, Recreation & Tourism
Shared Adventures, led by Foster Andersen, is being recognized for its “Day on the Beach” program, which provides special needs individuals with access to the sanctuary through scuba diving, kayaking and beach wheelchair ocean rides/floats. This program allows participants to feel the inspiration and “healing” a marine sanctuary can provide.
• One Cool Earth – Education & Outreach
One Cool Earth’s innovative environmental education programs in San Luis Obispo County inspire Title 1 students to become stewards of the marine environment. Their Earth Genius Curriculum, developed with NOAA, has reached thousands of underserved students.
The MBNMS Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support vital conservation programs. Funds raised by the foundation help protect wildlife, educate youth about marine ecosystems, prevent whale ship strikes and gear entanglements, eliminate marine debris, protect habitats and sensitive wildlife, and promote climate resilience through education and awareness.
Dan Haifley, board member and longtime advocate for the sanctuary, noted, “national marine sanctuaries are our secret weapon in the effort to protect biodiversity and counteract climate change, and our own MBNMS helps to lead the way. The annual Sea Stars Gala celebrates our heroes while raising funds to achieve the sanctuary’s mission.” This year’s honorees embody the spirit of that mission, inspiring community action and stewardship.
The Sea Star Gala brings together influential leaders and advocates of marine conservation. Attendees include the MBNMS Foundation board members Secretary Panetta, Hilary Bryant, Sam Farr, Gordon Eubanks, Fred Keeley, Nova Covington, Ted Balestreri, Danny Bernstein, Yvette Lopez Brooks, Martine Watkins, and Dan Haifley, along with many MBNMS Foundation supporters.
According to Martine Watkins, “Working alongside passionate advocates to educate, engage, and protect, I am driven by a shared vision to ensure this sanctuary remains healthy and cherished for future generations.”
For more information on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the 2024 Sea Stars Gala, and the honorees, visit www.montereybayfoundation.org.
Superintendent Lisa Wooninck and her staff at NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary conduct research, education and resource protection in one of most biodiverse marine protected areas in the world. Learn about new and exciting stories by the sanctuary within these articles. Lisa can be reached at lisa.wooninck@noaa.gov. To learn more about the sanctuary, visit montereybay.noaa.gov.