WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Azul unveils second-ever nationwide poll Latinos and the ocean
On July 10, 2024, Azul, the leading non-profit working with Latinos to protect the ocean, announced findings from a nationwide poll on Latino viewpoints on ocean protection, policies and recreation. The poll found overwhelming support for pro-conservation policies and candidates from Latinos across the U.S., including a willingness to pay more in energy and food costs in order to advance ocean justice priorities.
“Azul seeks to put justice at the heart of ocean policy and mobilize Latino leadership toward ambitious science-based conservation goals, and the findings from our survey are clear: U.S. Latinos have a strong desire to vote for pro-ocean candidates and policies,” said Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, Azul’s Founder and Executive Director. “Our polling indicates that Latino voters overwhelmingly support efforts to combat illegal fishing, end plastic pollution, and ban offshore drilling. At a time when the need to act couldn’t be more urgent, we’re encouraged by the poll’s findings and the potential for Latino communities to play an essential role in protecting our ocean and environment for generations to come.”
Leaders from across the country praised the announcement. Here’s what they’re saying:
Adriane Alicea, Managing Director of Green 2.0:
“The 2024 National Azul Poll: Latinos and the Ocean affirms — what Latinos have known all along — that ocean conservation is a priority for us and we will do everything we can to protect our ocean, even at our own expense. After facing disproportionate climate impacts and underrepresentation in decision-making bodies, Latino communities are ready for our government to center our voices and lead more intentionally on ocean justice.”
Anupa Asokan, Founder and Director of Fish On:
“The results of Azul’s poll are especially staggering if you consider the breadth and diversity within the Latino community itself. This overwhelming support for our ocean is a call-to-action that our decision-makers can no longer ignore — we must protect our ocean and these underrepresented voices are who should shape the future of our ocean policy.”
Andrea León-Grossmann, Deputy Program Director – West for Vote Solar:
“Latinos have always been guardians of nature, weaving the ocean into our cultural tapestry. This poll confirms what we’ve known for generations: we stand united in our commitment to protecting our ocean and fighting against the scourge of plastic pollution. Our voices are powerful, and we are ready to support leaders who champion ocean justice and ensure a sustainable future for all.”
Ayana Melvan, Director of Conservation Action, Aquarium Conservation Partnership:
“Through my work with Aquarium Conservation Partnership, the value of including all community voices is top priority in decision making. The Azul results are in and are a wonderful asset in showcasing what we are hearing from our member institutions as well in our collected effort to advance Ocean Justice. We’re ready to leverage this important data to help guide our members in the implementation of our conservation efforts.”
Beth Lowell, Vice President for the U.S. at Oceana:
“This poll confirms that protecting and restoring the ocean is strongly supported by Latino communities across the United States. Rebuilding ocean abundance, protecting the ocean from threats like offshore drilling, illegal fishing, and plastic pollution, and ensuring that our ocean remain vibrant and healthy for all to enjoy are fundamental principles that everyone can support. Our political leaders need to recognize the importance of the ocean for communities, our economy, and quality of life and should take more immediate steps to ensure they remain abundant and biodiverse in the future.”
Bill Mott, Executive Director of The Ocean Project:
“The National Azul Poll provides exciting insights into Latino voter attitudes toward our ocean, coasts, and related policy issues. Regardless of their political affiliation, U.S. Latinos regularly agree on the importance of a healthy ocean for our economy and quality of life. Furthermore, they are more likely to vote for a candidate who supports stronger policies for our ocean. The voices in the ocean conservation and policy space have historically been, and largely remain, nondiverse. Many communities have been excluded due to systemic injustices, logistical barriers, and a lack of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Thanks to the work of Azul and many others, that is changing! This most recent nationwide poll further demonstrates the strategic importance and critical need of growing an inclusive movement to achieve a more equitable and sustainable society and a healthy blue planet.”
Carlos Zegarra, Executive Director of Sachamama:
“The Latino community brings valuable insights and experiences that can lead to innovative approaches to protecting our natural resources while promoting social and environmental justice. Ensuring their participation strengthens the ocean conservation movement while fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among overlooked communities.”
Daniela Fernandez, Founder and CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance:
“Azul’s research has proven what those in the ocean sustainability community already know to be true – policies that protect our ocean and planet from the devastating impacts of climate change are not only popular but necessary for our planet’s future,” said Daniela Fernandez, Founder and CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance. “As a Latina ocean sustainability nonprofit leader, I particularly appreciate Azul’s commitment to capturing Latino’s sentiments on this global issue. Sustainable Ocean Alliance looks forward to continuing to champion unsung voices in the ocean justice community and further our collective mission to protect and preserve the ocean for generations to come.”
Dylan McDowell, Executive Director of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators:
“The result of Azul’s latest poll reinforces the fact that those most impacted by climate change and ocean degradation, especially Latino communities, want to see elected officials prioritize ocean justice policies. Azul’s work to uplift Latino voices and their policy priorities is essential, and I am excited to share these findings with state policymakers in our network across the country.”
Dr. Chad Nelsen, CEO, Surfrider Foundation:
“The urgent threats facing our ocean and coasts can be solved if the public mandate is strong enough. Thanks to Azul’s 2024 Latinos & the Ocean poll we can see that Latinos across the US care deeply about our ocean, and also that our conservation success is dependent on including Latinos in our efforts.”
Estefany Carrasco-González, Chispa Senior Director:
“Our communities have always had a deep connection and appreciation for the ocean and clean waters. Our current work with communities along the Texas Gulf Coast illustrates the need for strong protection of our waterways, as families there are in the fight of their life for a habitable bay that can keep sustaining their way of life and livelihoods. Latine communities need and value as much support as possible for clean waters, and this poll illustrates that.”
Joel R. Johnson, President and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation:
“Latinos of all stripes overwhelmingly support strengthening protections for our oceans. The Azul report shows this conviction is rooted in maintaining family traditions, and why public waters like national marine sanctuaries are essential to America’s way of life.”
José G. González, Founder of Latino Outdoors:
“The 2024 National Azul Poll results should be no surprise. Yet, I can imagine why it might be for some people: Latinos have strong care, concern, and willingness to support policies for healthier public lands AND WATERS. It is another clear indicator of how Latino communities, like so many communities of color, are not “single-issue communities” and should not reductively be treated so. We care about MAR Y TIERRA as part of our cultural heritage, and elected officials and policymakers must be attuned to that for any conservation success.”
Julie Packard, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium:
“This new national poll reaffirms how highly Latino voters value a healthy ocean, for their families and for the future. It’s a clear reminder for elected officials everywhere to listen to their voices when making decisions about the issues impacting our ocean and coast. Azul continues to bring the Latino perspective front and center so that all of us can hear it.”
Luis Villa, Executive Director of Latino Outdoors:
“In any given year, Latino Outdoors volunteers will venture out to the coast — again and again — with familias, children, and other community members. Whether for recreation or stewardship, the popularity of these coastal outings speaks to how much our comunidades love and care for the outdoors. The results of Azul’s #LatinosMarinos national poll affirm that a lot of that love is directed towards our beautiful blue ocean.”
Mario Ordoñez-Calderón, Executive Director of Un Mar de Colores:
“The 2024 Latinos and the Ocean poll highlights the vital connection between Latino communities and the ocean. It is uplifting to see, and be a part of, such a strong consensus among Latino voters on the importance of protecting our marine environments to uphold our families’ cultures and traditions. As we continue to face pressing environmental challenges, it is crucial that we amplify our voices and advocate for policies that safeguard our oceans for ourselves and future generations.”
Mark Magaña, Founding President and CEO of GreenLatinos and Co-chair of the America the Beautiful for All Coalition:
“We applaud the efforts of Azul in bringing to the forefront the deep-rooted connections Latinos have to the coastal and marine spaces. This poll amplifies ongoing efforts of the Latino community and beyond regarding ocean advocacy and justice. Results of the poll further demonstrate how the ocean connects us all and provides bio-cultural significance to our comunidad. Now more than ever, it is of utmost importance to protect one of our most critical resources.”
Matt Armsby, Vice President and General Counsel of Resources Legacy Fund (RLF):
“These poll results are a national invitation to invest in Latino leadership and constituency building on ocean issues. They should make clear to policymakers, journalists, and community leaders the depth and breadth of Latino support for policies and funding that keep beaches and coastlines clean, expand access to nature, and protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change,” said Matt Armsby, Vice President and General Counsel of Resources Legacy Fund (RLF). RLF is proud to have supported Azul’s work since 2011.”
Maximiliano Bello, Director of Global Ocean Policy at Mission Blue:
“I am filled with hope reading the results of Azul’s national poll of Latino voters in the U.S., demonstrating a strong interest from Latinos in increasing ambition in protecting and caring for the ocean. The results are key and show us that an important and growing part of the U.S. population is interested in relevant and well-defined public policy regarding ocean protections – including proposals put forward by candidates in the U.S.”
Dr. Tiara Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Black In Marine Science (BIMS):
“I am proud of Azul for taking the lead in dismantling the myth that people of color aren’t interested in the ocean with statistical data. I’m excited to see the outcome of these results in terms of funding and continued engagement of our communities.”
Tony DeFalco, Executive Director of the Latino Network:
“At this pivotal moment for our country and our planet, we now have concrete evidence that Latine voters overwhelmingly support environmental conservation measures — thanks to the leadership of Azul and BSP Research.”
Sarah Guy, Executive Director of the Ocean Defense Initiative:
“Azul’s national poll results send a message loud and clear to decision makers at every level of government across the US: Latino voters want more ocean conservation action from elected officials. Azul’s policy and advocacy work leverages this overwhelming support every day; now, it’s time for elected officials to do the same–for the future of the ocean, climate, and communities across the US.”
Sarah Winter Whelan, Executive Director of the Healthy Ocean Coalition:
“Azul’s newest Latinos and the Ocean poll results are clear: Latino communities are champions for ocean health and are willing to back that at the cash register and ballot box. Azul’s ability to give visibility to the important issues Latino voters and communities care about is second to none. The future for ocean justice is bright with Azul leading the way.”
Valerie Cleland, a senior manager of NRDC’s oceans team:
“The overwhelming support from Latino voters for a clean and healthy ocean speaks volumes,” said Valerie Cleland, a senior manager of NRDC’s oceans team. “This important poll from Azul sheds light on the commitment of Latino voters to ocean conservation—from opposing offshore drilling and illegal fishing to advocating for marine protected areas.”