About
In celebration of the 27th anniversary of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, we hosted the inaugural Sanctuary Sea Stars Brunch on September 22, 2019, at The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina, California. Many of our community’s most influential luminaries joined together for an engaging and educational event featuring a full brunch, cash bar, unique coastal venue, and awards presentations.
During the brunch, awards were presented to people and organizations who contributed significantly to the sanctuary through education, conservation, research and business. Secretary Leon E. Panetta bestowed our highest honor, the Panetta Sea Star Award, to PJ (Margaret) Webb.
The Sanctuary Sea Stars Brunch is an annual fundraising event hosted by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. All funds raised at the brunch support the conservation and programs of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Our 2019 Sanctuary Sea Stars
Panetta Sea Star Award: PJ Webb
PJ (Margaret) Webb has been a long-time champion, advocate, and leader in protecting MBNMS and educating the public about the importance of marine conservation, sanctuaries, and wildlife protection and care. One of MBNMS’s most active and effective ambassadors, PJ has served for fifteen years as the only Sanctuary Advisory Council representative from the southern region of MBNMS. Her guidance, energy, humor, and tireless support have benefitted MBNMS tremendously.
Research: John Ryan, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
John’s research focuses on interactions between marine life and the environments they inhabit, from microscopic plankton to the largest fish and mammals. We are grateful to John and MBARI for their collaboration and significant contributions to our science and education programs.
Resource Protection: Lisa Emanuelson
Lisa is the Volunteer Monitoring Coordinator for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), where she coordinates and trains volunteers for Bay Net, Team OCEAN, and water quality monitoring programs. Lisa inspires and empowers everyday citizens to make meaningful contributions that help protect sanctuary watersheds and coastal ecosystems.
Education and Outreach: Brian Nelson
Brian is the MBNMS Advisory Council Chair, Deputy Monterey Harbormaster, and a leader for sanctuary outreach to various communities, sanctuary users, and stakeholders. He manages three sanctuary newsletters with a collective reach of nearly 4,000 people and businesses, which helps to keep MBNMS relevant and important to local communities.
Business and Tourism: Cass Schrock, Monterey Bay Kayaks
Cass is the founding owner of Monterey Bay Kayaks (MBK). Since 1985, she has been dedicated to establishing MBNMS as a kayak ecotourism destination. Cass has been a monumental supporter of the sanctuary’s Team Ocean program, providing training and kayak equipment to volunteers from both her shop’s locations in Monterey and Moss Landing.
Photo Gallery
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Questions?
Please contact Ginaia Kelly, 831-359-7071, ginaia@marinesanctuary.org