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NOAA names
Star-Bulletin staff
co-author of law
banning shark finning
Environmental HeroThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has named Robert Endreson, co- author of Hawaii state legislation to ban shark finning, an Environmental Hero.
Endreson, founder of the Hawaii Fishing Foundation, accepted the U.S. Department of Commerce award at the first National Marine Recreational Fisheries Symposium in San Diego.
"For more than a decade, Mr. Endreson has been a champion for good management of the marine environment in the Western Pacific," said Scott Gudes, deputy undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere. "We sincerely appreciate his tireless efforts for sound fisheries management and marine resource stewardship which will assist us in fulfilling the mission of NOAA Fisheries."
The Hawaii Fishing Foundation is a grass-roots citizens organization dedicated to ensuring that fisheries policy in Hawaii and the Western Pacific is based on sound scientific and management philosophies.
Endreson focuses his efforts on marine issues such as the banning of long-line fishing, placing observers on fishing vessels, protected species zones and vessel tracking by satellite.
Endreson is also educational director for the Western Pacific Fisheries Coalition. In this role, Endreson is developing school programs which allow fishermen to adopt schools and discuss issues related to sound fishery practices with students.
"I am honored to accept this Environmental Hero award even though it is truly not mine," said Endreson. "This award belongs to all of us who are aware that our marine environment is precious and fragile."
