Welcoming New and Returning Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council Appointees

We believe that water is a thread that connects us all, and your national marine sanctuaries are places for everyone to get outside and enjoy together. One goal we hope to achieve with the guidance and support of the new advisory council is the ability to reach more diverse audiences across America. Specifically, we hope to inspire more Black and Latino outdoor enthusiasts to take advantage of the beauty and adventure that awaits above and below the waters of America’s underwater parks. Taishya Adams, policy director for Outdoor Afro, and Maite Arce, president and CEO of the Hispanic Access Foundation each bring their own respective knowledge and expertise regarding expanding access, representation, and participation in outdoor spaces.

“The connections Latinos have to the ocean and coast are strong, historical, and intimate,” said Arce. “From indigenous settlement to the present day, the ocean has given and taken away, alternately providing food and flood, salary, and storm. Our marine sanctuaries are vulnerable to nature and vulnerable to the man-made issues carried in its currents and waves. To ensure inclusive access and increased stewardship, Hispanic Access Foundation is pleased to serve as a member of NOAA’s Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council. Together, with our partners, we share the vision of a thriving sanctuary system that protects our nation’s underwater treasures and inspires momentum for a healthy ocean.”

National marine sanctuaries are part of tribal cultural land and waterscapes – places with past and/or present significance to the cultural beliefs, customs, and practices of indigenous people. Our Maritime Heritage Program is not only involved in the protection of the submerged remains of the past (e.g., cultural, historical, and archaeological resources), but also in increasing appreciation of the many different types of human connections to the sea. Sherry Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association will serve a three-year term on the Natural and Cultural Resource Management Seat of the council. Rupert works to elevate native voices and is an advocate for increasing travel and tourism opportunities as an economic driver in tribal nations. “I’m thrilled to be a member of this esteemed panel,” said Rupert. “So many of our nation’s coastal regions and marine parks have deep ties to Native American culture and heritage, and I look forward to working with NOAA to help elevate the voices of the native peoples connected to those coastal regions.”

As we kick off 2021, we face some unique challenges following an unprecedented year in travel and tourism. We aim to work with the Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council to further our efforts in promoting sustainable and responsible recreation within sanctuaries. Our office balances the protection of marine ecosystems and maritime history with allowing enjoyment and responsible resource use within sanctuaries. The majority of waters within our nation’s marine sanctuaries are open for sustainable recreation, including surfing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing, tidepooling, and visiting educational centers. We want people to come and responsibly visit these incredible places – America’s underwater parks – and we look forward to having the guidance of some well-known leaders in outdoor recreation and tourism to help us spread that message.

Your national marine sanctuaries contribute to the “blue economy,” and many industries have begun to see the value in marine conservation as it relates to both profit and customer satisfaction. Hotels, tour boat operators, restaurants, and other businesses located in travel hotspots benefit when the coral reefs and kelp forests are healthy, fish are abundant, and the water is clean and clear. After all, these are the attributes that attract tourists in the first place!

“A healthy ocean is vital for the wellbeing of people because it’s a key factor in areas like climate action, food security, livelihoods, biodiversity, recreation, and tourism,” said Marie Fukudome, director of environmental affairs at Hyatt Corporation. "By participating in the council, we hope to contribute to collaborative action as well as apply key learnings and best practices to Hyatt’s ongoing initiatives in this area."

Each national marine sanctuary has unique ecosystems, resources, and human uses, each of which are managed on a site level, but are part of a broader system. Many species protected under U.S. law and international treaties can be found throughout the National Marine Sanctuary System, but also move freely throughout the ocean. We work with other U.S. government agencies and international partners to align place-based and species-based conservation efforts within U.S. waters and beyond. We want to broaden our reach and get more people involved with conservation efforts. To be successful, we must look at things through the eyes of our customers – the people we wish to engage – and find the messages and opportunities that appeal to them. This is something that successful businesses have mastered. Advisory council members will play an important role in providing guidance on strategic business partnerships and opportunities for community involvement in conservation projects ranging from local to international in scope.

The fishing community recognizes that conservation is necessary in order to maintain healthy fish stocks for future generations. Martin Peters, division manager of government relations for Yamaha’s U.S. Marine Business Unit, will play a key role in helping us continue to strengthen relationships with the recreational and commercial fishing communities. Peters is also a member of the Government Relations Committee of the American Sportfishing Association®, and in 2019 was recognized for his “outstanding contributions to fisheries conservation and recreational fishing and boating.” Dave Bulthuis, president of Pure Fishing, will join Peters on the Recreational and Commercial Fishing seat. Bulthuis is an advocate for conservation and also believes that “increasing access to great boating and fishing for all Americans is a critical component to growing participation and offering exciting and memorable outdoor experiences.”

We are excited to begin a new year with the first Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council meeting on January 14, and look forward to working with members of the council to accomplish our goals for 2021 and beyond.

Rachel Plunkett is the writer/editor for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.