The International SeaKeepers Society hosted its annual Founders event on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Pier Sixty-Six Resort. SeaKeepers facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education by engaging the yachting community and providing educational resources. The annual Founders event brought together ocean and conservation lovers throughout the industry to recognize the impact of conservation efforts while honoring Jimmy Buffett as the SeaKeeper of The Year. Buffett passed away Sept. 1, 2023. Buffett’s songwriting and singing made him a legend in the yachting community, but his passion for marine conservation, ocean adventure, and boating left a lasting legacy that inspired generations to embrace the sea with joy and responsibility. Triton’s Co-publisher Jim Bronstien, who emceed the event, posthumously awarded Buffett the SeaKeeper of The Year and shared personal stories of the time he spent with Buffett. The two met after Buffett arrived at Bronstien’s office for help restoring a small Downeaster boat. While the restoration didn’t ultimately happen, a long-lasting friendship was born. Bronstien recalled a phone call he received from Buffett minutes before he was due to perform at the Grammys that showed just how passionate he was about boating. “He’s like ‘What are you doing?’ I go, ‘Watching the Grammys, what are you doing? I think you’re pretty busy, aren’t you?” Bronstien said. “He replied, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’ve done that a million times, but what’s going on with my boat?’” That passion for boating along with his supporting efforts to protect coral reefs, manatees, and the seas he loved is what made him the 2025 SeaKeeper of The Year. Emily Cunningham, a marine biologist and global conservation leader, was awarded the NextGen Award for driving ocean recovery through her co-founded #Motion4TheOcean movement and partnership with SeaKeepers to study marine mammals in British waters. The DISCOVERY fleet of vessels that support SeaKeepers’ programming in 2025 was also recognized.