SeaKeepers Founders Event Returns to Fort Lauderdale with Tribute to Buffett and Rising Conservation Leaders
SeaKeepers Founders Event 2025 to Honor Jimmy Buffett at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, The International SeaKeepers Society (SeaKeepers) will host its annual Founders Event at Pier Sixty-Six during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The evening will bring together leaders in marine science, yachting, and conservation to recognize the impact of those driving real change for the ocean.
This year’s event honors Jimmy Buffett as SeaKeeper of the Year for his long-standing dedication to ocean and coastal protection. Throughout his life, Buffett blended music, storytelling, and philanthropy to raise awareness about marine conservation. His support of environmental causes and his work through Singing for Change helped bring ocean issues into the public eye. His legacy continues to inspire a culture of responsibility for our seas.
The NextGen Award will be presented to Emily Cunningham, MBE, whose work in climate action, policy, and community engagement has positioned her as a leading voice for environmental progress. Her influence spans across sectors, and her ability to connect youth movements with real-world policy makes her a standout in global sustainability efforts.
The event will also recognize the 2024–25 DISCOVERY Fleet, a group of vessels that played a critical role in supporting SeaKeepers programs this year. These partners enabled research, citizen science, and educational outreach across the globe, providing scientists and educators with access to the ocean through the generosity of the yachting community.
Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, seated dinner, and formal program at one of Fort Lauderdale’s premier waterfront venues. The night offers a space to reflect on the past year’s impact and set the course for what’s next.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available. View the Sponsorship Deck to see how you can support the event and amplify your brand throughout its promotion.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SEAKEEPERS SOCIETY
The International SeaKeepers Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the wellbeing of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.
Founded in Monaco in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society has been supporting ocean conservation through direct involvement with the yachting community for more than twenty-seven years. What started as a data collection program aboard select luxury yachts, has evolved to engage thousands of participants annually with at-sea and coastal programming. Today SeaKeepers’ mission is focused on the DISCOVERY Program which is comprised of Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement.
As a catalyst working with governments, scientists, institutions, and other marine organizations to further its mission, SeaKeepers supports sensible, achievable marine protection and restoration. Activities take place globally through the efforts of headquarters based in the United States with offices located on the east and west coast, and international representation in Singapore, the South Pacific, and the United Kingdom.
VISIT WEBSITE — SEAKEEPERS.ORG
