Ocean City Boat Captain Donates $1,000 To Help Restore Fish Habitat

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative (MARI) recently received a $1,000 donation from Captain Monty Hawkins, owner of the Morning Star party boat out of Ocean City.

“MARI has great potential to help improve water quality and restore fish habitat,” said Captain Monty Hawkins. “We have seen truly magnificent changes off Maryland’s coast thanks to reef restoration efforts. I’m glad to see the Chesapeake’s environmental and fishing communities working together.”

The funds donated comprised a portion of the proceeds from the 50/50 raffle offered year-round to anglers aboard the Morning Star.

“We would not be able to donate these funds without the support of our customers and crew,” added Hawkins. “I hope that other boat captains will consider taking up the cause as well.”

One of two members on the Maryland Artificial Reef Advisory Commission representing Maryland’s eastern shore, Captain Hawkins is also a board member of the Ocean City Reef Foundation, one of the more than 40 partners in the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative.

The Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative was created in early 2007 to raise funds to facilitate development of marine habitat enhancement projects. More than 40 partnering entities including the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Dominion, Honeywell, Inc., Mitchell-Petersen Foundation, Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project, Shell Oil, and British Petroleum, as well as conservation organizations, businesses, foundations, outdoor recreational organizations, and countless individuals have provided resources to make MARI possible.

Individuals can help with reef projects across the State by “buying a ton” via a tax-deductible donation to the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative. For more information visit www.ccamd.org/MARI/MARI_home.htm.

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December 13, 2007

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov