MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Conservation International’s Hawaii Fish Trust in partnership with the Sportfishing Conservancy, will host the 2013 Sanctuary Classic – a free fishing photo contest designed to promote recreational opportunities and reward sustainable fishing in America’s National Marine Sanctuaries.

The nationwide contest opens on World Oceans Day, June 8, and ends on Labor Day, Sept. 2.

While the primary purpose of the National Marine Sanctuary System is to protect the resources of our nation’s special places, sanctuaries also facilitate compatible uses including all types of recreation. Most (98 percent) of National Marine Sanctuary waters are open to recreational fishing and provide an incredible outdoors experience.

The Sanctuary Classic in Hawaii promotes safe and pono (responsible) fishing practices and perpetuates the transfer of knowledge to sustain our marine resources from one generation to the next.

This free event aims to further connect fishers, communities and families with the marine resources.

The Sportfishing Conservancy will award, based on online voting, 10 $100 weekly prizes for the best photos from across the country that show fishing in a national marine sanctuary or adjacent waters.

At the end of the summer additional $1,000 prize scholarships will be awarded for the four pictures that best exemplify youth fishing, family fishing, or conservation in a sanctuary. All participants are required to follow best practices guidelines and federal, state and local regulations.

“The Sanctuary Classic in Hawaii promotes safe and pono fishing practices that can help sustain our marine resources from generation to generation,” said Elia Herman, sanctuary co-manager, Department of Land and Natural Resources.

“We are proud to host this event and look forward to seeing our sanctuary represented in this year’s contest. The Sanctuary Classic gives the community a way to experience the sanctuary and learn about how we are part of nature, and also fosters a sense of responsibility for our environment,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent.

“This is a great opportunity for families to go out fishing together and experience the bounty that Hawaii’s ocean has to offer, while strengthening the culture of sustainable fishing,” said Jason Philibotte, director of the Hawaii Fish Trust for Conservation International.

“The Sportfishing Conservancy is excited to encourage angling in the waters of the national marine sanctuaries and looks forward to the involvement of Hawaii residents,” said Tom Raftican, president of The Sportfishing Conservancy.

This is the second year of the Sanctuary Classic. Support for the event is being provided by national and local partners, including: The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, The Guy Harvey Foundation, The Sportfishing Conservancy, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, NOAA Fisheries Service and West Marine, and Conservation International’s Hawaii Fish Trust.

The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaii through DLNR. The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources.

DLNR’s mission is to enhance, protect, conserve and manage Hawaii’s unique and limited natural, cultural and historic resources held in public trust for current and future generations of visitors and the people of Hawaii nei.

Conservation International’s Hawaii Fish Trust’s mission is to restore nearshore seafood security through strategic partnerships and focused investment for the well-being of Hawaii and its people.

— Find out more:
Sanctuary Classic: http://sanctuaryclassic.org/
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov
State Department of Land and Natural Resources: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/
Conservation International’s Hawaii Fish Trust: www.conservation.org/global/marine/initiatives/fisheries/hawaii/pages/hawaii.aspx
The Sportfishing Conservancy: http://sportfishingconservancy.org/
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov