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10th Anniversary Reception
and Lecture

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation was honored to host a cocktail reception at the Monterey Marriott in September to honor the 10th anniversary of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This event featured the unveiling of a new painting by world-renowned Artist and NMSF Trustee, Robert Lyn Nelson, entitled Leatherbacks of the Pacific. Mr. Nelson has generously donated this compelling depiction of the endangered Leatherback turtle to represent the Monterey Sanctuary in a new poster celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The reception was followed by an intimate discussion on ocean conservation, hosted by the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation, entitled Taking Stock of Our Oceans – Reflections on the Past and Projections for the Future.

The discussion was attended by approximately 500 guests in the Steinbeck Forum of the Monterey Conference Center and moderated by Leon Panetta, Chair of the Pew Oceans Commission. The featured speakers were Julie Packard, President of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Jean-Michel Cousteau, NMSF Trustee and President of the Ocean Futures Society.

Mr. Panetta was a guest speaker during the following day during 'Ocean Fest', an outdoor anniversary celebration, which featured a pulbic unveiling of Leatherbacks of the Pacific, as well as exhibits and activities for kids.