Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
| (i) Name of supported organization | (ii) EIN | (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 10 above (see instructions)) | (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? | (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) | (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | |||||
|
Total |
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Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | 2,049,870 | 2,418,332 | 2,970,843 | 2,849,238 | 2,971,778 | 13,260,061 |
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.... | 0 | |||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | 0 | |||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3 | 2,049,870 | 2,418,332 | 2,970,843 | 2,849,238 | 2,971,778 | 13,260,061 |
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f) .. | 3,412,215 | |||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | 9,847,846 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | 2,049,870 | 2,418,332 | 2,970,843 | 2,849,238 | 2,971,778 | 13,260,061 |
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | 116,408 | 131,060 | 133,769 | 141,199 | 150,448 | 672,884 |
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | 0 | |||||
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | 13,932,945 | |||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | ||||||
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose | ||||||
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 ..... | ||||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | ||||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5 | ||||||
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons | ||||||
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | ||||||
| 8 | Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | ||||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | ||||||
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | ||||||
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | ||||||
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included on line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | ||||||
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) .. | ||||||
| 13 | Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.).. | ||||||
| Section A - Adjusted Net Income | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Net short-term capital gain | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Other gross income (see instructions) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Add lines 1 through 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Depreciation and depletion | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Other expenses (see instructions) | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) | 8 | ||||
| Section B - Minimum Asset Amount | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): | 1 | ||||
| a | Average monthly value of securities | 1a | ||||
| b | Average monthly cash balances | 1b | ||||
| c | Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets | 1c | ||||
| d | Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) | 1d | ||||
| e |
Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): |
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| 2 | Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Subtract line 2 from line 1d | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 0.015 of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Multiply line 5 by 0.035 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) | 8 | ||||
| Section C - Distributable Amount | Current Year | |||||
| 1 | Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Enter 85% of line 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Income tax imposed in prior year | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| Section D - Distributions | Current Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes | 1 | |
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
2 | |
| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | 3 | |
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | 4 | |
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI) | 5 | |
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | 6 | |
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | 7 | |
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
8 | |
| 9 Distributable amount for 2022 from Section C, line 6 | 9 | |
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | 10 | |
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2022 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2022 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2022 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2022 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI).
See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2022: | ||||
| a From 2017....... | ||||
| b From 2018....... | ||||
| c From 2019....... | ||||
| d From 2020....... | ||||
| e From 2021....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2022 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2017 not applied (see instructions) |
||||
| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2022 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2022 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2022, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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|
6
Remaining underdistributions for 2022. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
||||
|
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2023. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2018..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2019..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2020..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2021..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2022..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
|---|
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|
| Software ID: | 22015553 |
| Software Version: | 2022v5.0 |
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 11b | THE ORGANIZATION HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING POLICY:1) The draft of the Internal Revenue Service Form 990 be distributed toall members of the Seacology Board of Directors as a PDF file via email within 5 days of the deadline for submitting the Form 990 to taxing authorities (original or extended deadline); and 2) That the draft of the Internal Revenue Service Form 990 will be reviewed and approved by the Chairman of the Board, the Executive Director, and the Accounting Manager, each acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, prior to submitting the Form 990 to taxing authorities. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 12c | THE FOLLOWING POLICY HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY THE ORGANIZATION: NO MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL PARTICIPATE IN ANY DISCUSSION OR VOTE ON ANY MATTER IN WHICH HE OR SHE OR A MEMBER OF HIS OR HER IMMEDIATE FAMILY HAS POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST DUE TO HAVING MATERIAL ECONOMIC INVOLVEMENT REGARDING THE MATTER BEING DISCUSSED. WHEN SUCH A MATTER PRESENTS ITSELF, THE DIRECTOR MUST ANNOUNCE HIS OR HER POTENTIAL CONFLICT, DISQUALIFY HIMSELF OR HERSELF, AND BE EXCUSED FROM THE MEETING UNTIL DISCUSSION IS OVER ON THE MATTER INVOLVED. THE PRESIDENT OF THE MEETING IS EXPECTED TO MAKE AN INQUIRY IF SUCH CONFLICT APPEARS TO EXIST AND THE BOARD MEMBER HAS NOT MADE IT KNOWN.EACH MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTS (WHO RECEIVE MORE THAN $25,000 PER YEAR FROM SEACOLOGY) SHALL ANNUALLY SIGN A STATEMENT WHICH AFFIRMS THAT SUCH PERSON:A. HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY,B. HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE POLICY,C. HAS AGREED TO COMPLY WITH THE POLICY,D. DISCLOSE THE EXISTENCE OF ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, ANDE. UNDERSTANDS SEACOLOGY IS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION AND IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ITS FEDERAL TAX EXEMPTION IT MUST ENGAGE PRIMARILY IN ACTIVITIES WHICH ACCOMPLISH ONE OR MORE OF ITS TAX-EXEMPT PURPOSES. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 15a | THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REVIEWS THE COMPENSATION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. ONE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MEETING IS HELD PER YEAR. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 15b | THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REVIEWS THE COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE ACCOUNTING MANAGER WHO IS LISTED AS AN OFFICER IN PART VII SINCE THEY ARE THE TOP FINANCIAL EMPLOYEE PER IRS GUIDELINES BUT OTHERWISE THEY ARE NOT AN OFFICER OF THE ORGANIZATION. ONE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MEETING IS HELD PER YEAR. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section C, Line 19 | Financial Reports: Seacology prepares an Annual Report and distributes it to the public via email, mail, and by posting it on Seacologys website. The Annual Report contains an unaudited ending-year statement of financial activites with a note that recommends the public contact the Seacology office mid-year to obtain a copy of audited financial statements. Seacology also distributes the Internal Revenue Services form 990 to the public by posting a copy to the Seacology website.Governing documents, and conflict of interest policy: Seacology distributes policies approved by the board of directors, including the conflict of interest policy, to staff in an employee manual and/or accounting manual, to the board of directors in a board handbook, and stores these policies along with governing documents in a readily accessable area of the main office for staff to provide to the public upon request. |
| Part III, Row 4A, Statement of Program Service Accomplishments | SEACOLOGY'S 2021 PROJECTS FUNDED A VARIETY OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS IN RETURN FOR VARIOUS PROTECTIONS, INCLUDING: 1. MARINE LAB/YOUTH EDUCATION AND VISITORS CENTER IN DUTCH CARIBBEAN ON SABA ISLAND.2. PROTECTION OF 1,149 ACRES OF FOREST HABITAT OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED BAT IN URUGUAY ON DEL ZAPALLO ISLAND OF THE BELLA UNION ISLANDS IN EXCHANGE FOR ECOTOURISM TRAINING; SMALL VISITORS CENTER; INTERPRETIVE TRAIL.3. CONSERVATION OF A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED IGUANA WITH EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM, NESTING AREA PATROLS, AND REPLANTING OF 10 ACRES OF MANGROVE HABITAT IN HONDURAS ON UTILA ISLAND.4. 500-ACRE MARINE PROTECTED AREA; ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR 10 YEARS IN INDIA ON AGATTI ISLAND IN EXCHANGE FOR COMMUNITY RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL OUTREACH CENTER.5. PROTECTION OF 1,750 ACRES, INCLUDING THREE ISLANDS AND SURROUNDING OCEAN FOR 20 YEARS IN INDONESIA ON URBABO BESAR ISLAND NEAR RUNI VILLAGE IN EXCHANGE FOR WATER CISTERNS AND TOILETS; SOLAR PANELS; MONITORING TOWER.6. PROTECTION OF 50 ACRES OF MANGROVES FOR 20 YEARS IN PALAU ON BABELDAOB ISLAND IN CHOLL VILLAGE IN EXCHANGE FOR REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENT OF LONG STONE DOCK, WHICH NEEDS TO BE RAISED BECAUSE OF THE RISING SEA LEVEL.7. CONTINUED PROTECTION OF 2,470-ACRE FOREST RESERVE WITH ENFORCEMENT, TRAIL REPAIR, AND PLANTING IN GRENADA FOR GRAND ETANG RESERVE.8. CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF 173 ACRES OF BUTTON MANGROVE FOREST FOR 10 YEARS, MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTE IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC NEAR THE DUNES OF LAS CALDERAS IN EXCHANGE FOR STRENGTHENING OF THE PRODUCTIVE CAPACITIES OF BEEKEEPERS.9. RECONNECT COASTAL FOREST FRAGMENTS BY CREATING FOREST CORRIDOR AND FIREBREAK IN MADAGASCAR NEAR SAINTE LUCE AND EBAKIKA VILLAGES IN EXCHANGE FOR FIREFIGHTING TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT.10. CONSERVATION OF 30-ACRE MANGROVE AND BEACH AREA WITH REGULAR CLEAN-UPS AND REDUCTION IN ORGANIC POLLUTION FOR 15 YEARS IN BRAZIL ON ITAMARACA ISLAND NEAR VILA VELHA COMMUNITY IN EXCHANGE FOR CLEAN WATER FOR 30 FAMILIES; COMPOSTING EQUIPMENT; CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN; ECOLOGICAL TOURS FOR VISITORS.11. PROTECTION OF A 26-ACRE NO-TAKE MARINE SANCTUARY, INCLUDING CORAL REEF AND SEAGRASS, FOR 10 YEARS IN PHILIPPINES ON SIQUIJOR ISLAND IN MAITE VILLAGE IN EXCHANGE FOR NEW GUARDHOUSE.12. CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SIX ACRES OF SEAGRASS AND FIVE ACRES OF MANGROVE FOREST FOR A DURATION OF 15 YEARS IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC NEAR LA PLAYITA BEACH IN EXCHANGE FOR MANGROVE RESTORATION; CONSERVATION TRAINING FOR FISHERS; MOORING BUOYS TO PROTECT SEAGRASS; SEAGRASS AWARENESS; PLAY FOR THE MANGROVES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH.13. CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF 4,942 ACRES OF MANGROVE AND ASSOCIATED ECOSYSTEMS FOR A DURATION OF 25 YEARS IN CAMEROON ON TIKO-LIMBE ISLANDS IN EXCHANGE FOR SOLAR FOR HOMES, A HEALTH CENTER, AND FISH SMOKERS AND STORAGE UNITS; EDUCATION CAMPAIGN; TRAINING OF RANGERS; AND SUPPORT FOR MONITORING ENFORCEMENT.14. INCREASED PROTECTION OF TWO MARINE AND MANGROVE AREAS TOTALING 7,155 ACRES, INCLUDING MANGROVE RESTORATION AND SEA TURTLE PROTECTION, FOR 20 YEARS IN MADAGASCAR NEAR AMPONDRAHAZO AND AMBOLOBOZOKELY VILLAGES IN EXCHANGE FOR REPAIRS AND TOILETS FOR SCHOOLS IN EACH VILLAGE; A WELL; SIGNS; COMMUNITY TRAINING; NEW RANGER STATION.15. LEGAL PROTECTION FOR ABOUT 1,500 SMALL MEXICAN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS, TOTALING ABOUT 12,352 ACRES IN MEXICO ON QUINTANA ROO KEYS.16. PERMANENT PROTECTION OF 66 ACRES OF PEATLAND AND FRESHWATER LAGOONS IN CHILE ON PULUQUI ISLAND IN EXCHANGE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR SCHOOLCHILDREN; PEATLAND MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR FAMILIES.17. PROTECTION OF 42 ACRES OF RAINFOREST FOR 15 YEARS IN MALAYSIA ON BORNEO NEAR TIONG KARANAAN VILLAGE IN EXCHANGE FOR AQUAPONICS EQUIPMENT, SUPPORT FOR CULTURAL TOURISM, AND MULTIPURPOSE HALL.18. CONTINUED PROTECTION OF 213,625-ACRE SULAMESI WILDLIFE AREA IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA AT MT. BOSAVI IN EXCHANGE FOR REBUILD COMMUNITY CENTER ORIGINALLY FUNDED BY SEACOLOGY.19. REDUCTION IN INJURIES TO ENDANGERED MARINE TURTLES; HELP FOR INJURED TURTLES IN GUATEMALA ON EL JARDIN ISLAND NEAR EL PAREDON IN EXCHANGE FOR MORE FREQUENT PATROLS; SIGNS; PROMOTION OF TURTLE-BASED TOURISM; COMMUNITY OUTREACH; NEW ROOF ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION BUILDING.20. PROTECTION OF FOUR ENDANGERED SPECIES OF MARINE TURTLES IN EL SALVADOR ON MONTECRSTO ISLAND IN EXCHANGE FOR TURTLE EGG HATCHERY CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT; ARTISANAL FISHING EQUIPMENT; AWARENESS CAMPAIGN; ECOTOURISM SUPPORT.21. SEAGRASS REGENERATION (AT LEAST TWO ACRES) AND PROTECTION IN ENGLAND ON ISLE OF WIGHT NEAR SEAVIEW VILLAGE IN EXCHANGE FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ADVANCED MOORING SYSTEMS, OUTREACH TO COMMUNITY.22. PERMANENT PROTECTION OF 2,718 ACRES OF UPLAND FOREST, MANGROVE, SEAGRASS, AND CORAL REEF HABITATS IN FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA ON POHNPEI ISLAND NEAR THE SENIPHEHN COMMUNITY IN EXCHANGE FOR WATER TANKS AND PIPES TO PROVIDE CLEAN WATER TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD.23. RESTORATION OF CRITICAL HABITAT OF THE FRESHWATER BLENNY, A NATIVE FISH THAT MAY BE EXTINCT ON THE ISLAND IN CYPRUS ALONG THE AMATHOS RIVER.SEACOLOGY CONTINUED FUNDING AND SUPPORT OF THE SEACOLOGY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MANGROVE INITIATIVE WHICH AIMS TO PROTECT THE COUNTRYS CRITICAL MANGROVE FORESTS WHILE SUPPORTING ECONOMICALLY VULNERABLE COASTAL RESIDENTS. THE INITIATIVE INCLUDES AN MANGROVE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN CARRIED OUT BY OUR PARTNER, GRUPO JARAGUA AND SEEKS TO ENGAGE THE NEXT GENERATION IN CONSERVATION BY PROVIDING BASEBALL AND VOLLEYBALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WITH MANGROVE EDUCATION TO DOMINICAN YOUTH. SEACOLOGY ALSO CONTINUED FUNDING AND SUPPORT FOR COOK ISLANDS MARAE MOANA, THE WORLD'S LARGEST MARINE PARK. ADDITIONALLY, SEACOLOGY SUPPORTED SEVERAL IMPROVEMENTS TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED COMMUNITY BENEFITS IN RETURN FOR RENEWED OR EXTENDED PROTECTIONS AND CONTINUED TO SUPPORT ACTIVE PROJECTS APPROVED IN PRIOR YEARS. FINALLY, SEACOLOGY MONITORED ONGOING AND COMPLETED PROJECTS AND CONSERVATION AREAS TO ENSURE THAT CONSERVATION AGREEMENTS WERE UPHELD AND COMMUNITY BENEFITS WERE BEING USED FOR INTENDED PURPOSES. |
| Part III, Row 4B, Statement of Program Service Accomplishments | A FORMER INTERNATIONAL RUGBY STAR FROM THE COOK ISLANDS, IRO WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE CREATION OF MARAE MOANA, THE WORLDS LARGEST MULTI-USE MARINE PARK. LEGALLY ESTABLISHED IN 2017, THE RESERVE PROTECTS THE ENTIRETY OF THE COUNTRY EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE, AN EXPANSE OF OCEAN ROUGHLY THE SIZE OF MEXICO.IROS EXCEPTIONAL RUGBY CAREER SPANNED DECADES AND COUNTRIES. NICKNAMED THE BEAST, IRO WAS A DOMINATING PRESENCE ON THE PITCH, PLAYING FOR TEAMS IN NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM FROM THE LATE 1980S THROUGH THE EARLY 2000S. HE WENT ON TO COACH FOR THE COOK ISLANDS NATIONAL TEAM.RETURNING TO HIS HOME COUNTRY AFTER HIS RETIREMENT FROM PROFESSIONAL RUGBY, IRO WAS ALARMED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE HE SAW. THE COOK ISLANDS ONCE-SPECTACULAR CORAL REEFS HAD DETERIORATED, AND FISHERIES HAD BEEN DEPLETED, THREATENING LOCAL LIVELIHOODS AND TRADITIONAL FISHING CULTURE. SO IRO SET HIS SIGHTS ON A NEW GOAL: PROTECTING THE VAST OCEAN SURROUNDING THE ISLANDS. HE SOON FOUND AN ALLY IN THEN-PRIME MINISTER HENRY PUNA, AND AFTER YEARS OF ADVOCACY, IROS VISION MATERIALIZED IN THE FORM OF MARAE MOANA (SACRED OCEAN).THE AMBITIOUS PLAN, RECORD-BREAKING IN ITS SCOPE, IMPLEMENTS NEW CONSERVATION RULES FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE COUNTRYS NEARLY 2-MILLION-SQUARE-MILE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE, AN EXPANSE OF OCEAN ROUGHLY THE SIZE OF MEXICO. MOST IMPORTANT, IT BANS COMMERCIAL FISHING AND SEABED MINING WITHIN A 50-MILE RADIUS OF EACH OF THE COUNTRYS ISLANDS. THE PLAN WAS APPROVED BY THE COUNTRYS PARLIAMENT IN A UNANIMOUS VOTE IN 2017.IROS REPUTATION AND ADVOCACY WERE KEY TO CREATING MARAE MOANA. HE HAS SINCE SERVED AS THE AMBASSADOR FOR MARAE MOANA, FREQUENTLY TRAVELING THE COUNTRY TO MEET WITH COMMUNITIES, TRADITIONAL LEADERS, AND STUDENTS ACROSS THE SPRAWLING ISLAND NATION TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF ITS SUCCESS.IROS WORK ALIGNS CLOSELY WITH OUR OWN. AFTER MEETING WITH IRO AND PUNA IN EARLY 2020, SEACOLOGY PLEDGED OUR SUPPORT FOR THE RESERVE. WE KNOW THAT IN ORDER FOR CONSERVATION TO BE SUCCESSFUL, LOCAL COMMUNITIES MUST BE SUPPORTIVE AND ENGAGED. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IN A HUGE BUT SPARSELY POPULATED COUNTRY LIKE THE COOK ISLANDS, WHERE THERE ARE LIMITED PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES FOR ENFORCEMENT. WORKING WITH MARAE MOANAS MANAGEMENT TEAM, THE COOK ISLANDS VOYAGING SOCIETY, LOCAL ARTISTS, TRADITIONAL LEADERS, SCHOOLS, WE HAVE HELPED PUBLICIZE MARAE MOANAS NEW REGULATIONS THROUGH A NATIONWIDE OUTREACH CAMPAIGN.OUR INITIATIVE HAS FUNDED A STUDENT ART CONTEST TO DESIGN THE UNIFORMS WORN BY PARK STAFF, VOYAGES IN TRADITIONAL SAILING CRAFTS BETWEEN THE ISLANDS, RADIO PROGRAMS AND PODCASTS, AND A MURAL CELEBRATING MARAE MOANA THAT WILL BE THE LONGEST IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC WHEN IT IS COMPLETE. ALL OF THESE EFFORTS REINFORCE THE PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY THAT IROS VISION HAS BEGUN. |
| Software ID: | 22015553 |
| Software Version: | 2022v5.0 |