Focused on marine and rain forest ecology and environmental justice for our fragile marine environment.
The H.E.R.O. Mission
HERO was established to support and promote global research, education, and the protection of our life-sustaining planet. From river to reef and classroom to courtroom, we strive to be a HERO for the environment.
"After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea."
-Sir David Attenborough
HERO focuses on several key environmental areas and is guided by a diverse Advisory Board to implement its programs effectively.
Rainforest Protection and Research
Hanning Environmental Research Organization owns 100 acres of pristine rainforest in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Thanks to its collaboration with local scientific groups, HERO facilitates studies that benefit marine life, coral reefs, rainforests, wildlife, and the people who depend on them.
River-2-Reef
This program emphasizes environmental issues affecting both our freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, particularly the often-overlooked impacts that freshwater sources have on saltwater coral reefs. HERO is committed to researching and understanding the link between freshwater activities, such as agriculture, and our fragile reefs that receive runoff from rivers.
River to Reef aims to develop educational programs and resources on best practices for activities such as farming to prevent damage to rivers and reefs. A primary focus is on Panama's freshwater ecosystems, where discharges from coffee farms have harmed aquatic life due to the presence of coffee bean pulp.
Marine Justice
Frank Hannig was celebrated for his dedication to justice, even when it threatened his reputation or friendships. He received Presidential recognition for defending conscientious objectors during the Vietnam War as a decorated World War II veteran, ensuring they received fair hearings. As the foreman of the San Mateo Grand Jury, he prioritized his responsibilities above his longstanding friendships.
In that spirit, HERO is committed to protecting the marine environment, wherever that path may lead. HERO believes that our marine environment, which has served us well since the beginning—possibly providing our origins and sustaining us with food, weather, and transportation—deserves, if not demands, our attention and respect.
Those who harm the marine environment jeopardize our futures, and HERO is dedicated to advocating for its protection, as it has no voice of its own.
hero vESSELS
HERO has strategically placed vessels to be of service in an emergency or for environmental studies in areas accessible to our fleet captains.
Sausalito, CA Nimbus 29, currently being converted to electric power.
San Francisco, Victory 35 catamaran, South Beach Harbor
Redwood City, Pro Line 22, power boat, One Marina Harbor
Bocas del Toro Panamá, Victory 35, and small outboard vessel
Thank you to our donors
Ocean Donor
Frank and Denise Hannig
Marilyn Territo
Paula Uccelli
Reef Donor
Clinton and Jackie Ward
River Donor
Brent and Terri Watkins
Larry Mayne
John and Cindy Rosinski
Kate Smith
John and Linda Mattis
Winston and Carole Bumpus
Tricia Young
Elmer Urrutia
Emma Holden
Christian Kasper
Dino Mesanovic
Melissa Chong
Fadi Maamari
Sidney and Lynn Morris
Samir and Minal Patel
Sami Abed
Cathy Moyer
Dave and Jenna Elliott
Rick and Petra Gilmore
Erik Jessen
Dan and Sue Lockwood
Sepeedeh Noviscky
Joyce Silva
Stacy Talamantes
Alberto Cosentino
Harry Owens
Kelly Radetich
Malcolm Fliege
Hans Spanjaart
Scott Bandy
Noah Cook
Nathan Large
Andrew Lesslie
Daniele Pallocca
Samee Swartz
Judy Chen
Dory Abumoussa
Tim Petersen
Ray Abumoussa
William Larsen
Jeffrey Stine
Our Partners
MAR Alliance
Coral Reef Alliance
SF Baykeeper
Floating Doctors
Sailors For The Sea
Ridwell
Marine Science Institute
Save The Bay
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
