Meet our new president! - Sailors for the Sea

Meet our new president!

 October 10, 2013  | By: Oceana

Mark brings with him a lifelong dedication to nonprofits, healthy living and a passion for ocean conservation. At the helm for just over a week, Mark shares what brought him to Sailors for the Sea and what he sees on our horizon. 

R. Mark Davis Headshot

What drew you to Sailors for the Sea?
As a child I once heard Jacques Cousteau say, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” At the time my passion for all things related to the ocean was in its infancy and this inspired me to pursue intellectually, professionally, and recreationally all aspects of the marine environment. Moreover, Sailors for the Sea is an incredible organization that’s doing very important work in this area. 

What do you see on the horizon for Sailors for the Sea?
I see amazing opportunity. We have already started to grow our international base with affiliates in Japan and Portugal. We plan to broaden the Clean Regattas’s program both domestically and internationally, and build upon The Moorings involvement in this program by spreading clean boating initiatives to the charter community. We are also interested in further engaging the cruising and power boat communities.

What is the biggest threat to preserving the ocean and local waters for future generations?
Because the oceans are so large we historically view them as an endless resource. However, we have come to realize that their preservation is linked directly to our own survival. Over 70% of our Earth’s surface is covered by water and 97.5% of all water on earth is salt water, leaving only 2.5% as fresh water. Of that 2.5% less than 1% of the world’s fresh water is accessible for direct human uses. So I believe pollution is this biggest threat we face as it affects the entire hydrologic cycle.

Where is your favorite place to sail? 
Narragansett Bay is my favorite place to sail! 

Any thing else you want share with the Sailors for the Sea community?
I would like to get to know the community! Please, click here to share your thoughts in our short four question survey. 

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The ocean is

30%

more acidic due to absorbing excess CO2.

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