Daniel J. Basta Daniel J. Basta joined
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 1979, and in January of 2001 he was named director of that organization's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, the agency responsible for preserving the natural, historical and cultural marine resources in the 13 national marine sanctuaries and in Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. He set out to increase community involvement by expanding the number of advisory councils to 15, adding ten new vessels designed specifically for outreach, education, research and enforcement to the sanctuaries' fleet. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries created award-winning film products for educating Americans about the importance of sanctuary resources, opened six new visitor centers and established 32 new aquarium partnerships. Under his direction, the sanctuary system continues to build partnerships with publicprivate organizations, industries, and academia. In 2002 Mr. Basta created the Maritime Heritage Program, whose projects include the recovery of artifacts from the site of the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor and investigation and documentation of the wreck of the steamer Portland, lost in the Portland Gale of 1898. The Maritime Heritage staff reaches out to engage and educate the public on these and other fascinating pieces of our maritime past. One of the biggest innovations during Mr. Basra's tenure has been the introduction of the community-based sanctuary nomination and evaluation process, by which the nation considers new sites for National Marine Sanctuary designation. It is for these significant innovations in the Office ofNational Marine Sanctuaries and the vast growth of public outreach, education and involvement in our maritime heritage sites that Daniel J. Basta will be receiving the NMHS Distinguished Service Award.
You are cordially invited to the NATIONAL MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER
Thursday, 23 October 2014 at the New York Yacht Club in New York City This affair is traditionally sold out and seating is limited, so early responses are necessary. Reservations are $400 per person; $7,000 sponsors a table for ten, plus a feature ad page in the dinner journal. Black tie optional.
Call 914 737-7878, ext . 0, or email nmhs@seahistory.org to make your reservation or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Be sure to visit us online at www.seahistory.org for more information. With great thanks to our corporate sponsors The Anina Group, George W Carmany III, Colemam, Johnson, Artigues, and Jurisich, the Consortium on International Marine Heritage, the National Marine Sanctwary Foundation and Howard Slotnick. NATIONAL MARITIME HISTORICAL SocrnTY, PO Box
40
68,
PEEKSKILL, NY
105<66
SEAHISTOJRY l48, AUTUMN2014