On September 17, 2008, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation hosted a special reception honoring four outgoing members of the congressional National Marine Sanctuary Caucus. Rep. Tom Allen (D-ME-1), Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD-1), Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ-3), and Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA-12; in memoriam) were all recognized for the important and impactful work they have done on behalf of our coasts and ocean during their tenure as members of the United States House of Representatives.


Outgoing members of the National Marine Sanctuary Caucus Congressman Wayne Gilchrest,
Congressman Jim Saxton, & Congressman Tom Allen

Joining the close to 150 people on hand to show their appreciation were National Marine Sanctuary Caucus members Del. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU), Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA-17), and Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA-1) to provide introductory remarks. National Marine Sanctuary Caucus Co-Chairs, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18) and Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA-23), were also in attendance to celebrate their colleagues’ hard work and dedication to preserving our ocean resources.

“These Members of Congress have truly been champions for our ocean and it is our honor to recognize the work they have done on behalf of the American people,” said Lori Arguelles, President and CEO of the Foundation.
To commemorate their achievements, each outgoing member was presented with a personally inscribed and autographed print from the collection of world-renowned photographer and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Board Chair, Bob Talbot.

The National Marine Sanctuary Caucus is a bipartisan coalition that is dedicated to increasing awareness and strengthening the commitment to our nation’s National Marine Sanctuaries.

Congressman Wayne Gilchrest receives personal inscribed and autographed print from
world-renowned marine photographer Bob Talbot.

Congressman Jim Saxton receives inscribed Talbot print from Director of the Office of
National Marine Sanctuaries, Dan Basta.

Congressman Tom Allen receives Talbot print from Director of the Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries, Dan Basta & National Marine Sanctuary Foundation President, Lori Arguelles.