Destin-Fort Walton Beach partners with Yamaha Rightwaters in three-year marine stewardship effort
Okaloosa County, Florida – Okaloosa County’s work to protect and promote its coastal environment is moving into a new chapter through a three-year collaboration between Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Yamaha Rightwaters, a partnership aimed at supporting sustainable fisheries, environmental stewardship and eco-tourism.
The relationship brings together the county’s tourism team and Yamaha Rightwaters around projects tied closely to the waters, reefs and marine life that help define the area. For Okaloosa County, the effort is not only about drawing visitors to the Emerald Coast, but also about caring for the natural resources that residents and tourists rely on year after year.
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A major part of the collaboration centers on the planned deployment of the SS United States as the World’s Largest Artificial Reef. The project is expected to become one of the county’s most visible environmental and tourism initiatives, and Yamaha Rightwaters will be connected to that effort through marketing support, outreach and prominent logo placement on the vessel.
“Our biggest asset in Okaloosa County is the environment that surrounds the residents who live here and the landscape that our visitors have come to enjoy,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin.
“We welcome this relationship and look forward to the environmental benefits that it will provide.”
The agreement also extends to the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament, which the county continues to manage as part of its broader environmental work. Yamaha Rightwaters will be recognized as a Gold sponsor for the tournament, strengthening its role in efforts connected to marine stewardship and sustainable fisheries.
Under the partnership, Yamaha Rightwaters will provide both in-kind and financial support. That includes two 300 HP Yamaha outboard motors, one Helm Master EX with joystick control system, and one G3 all-aluminum fishing boat package. The equipment will be placed on an existing boat donated to the county in March 2026.
Yamaha Rightwaters will also contribute $15,000 annually for three years, totaling $45,000, in support of the Emerald Coast Open and Tarpon Invitational Tournaments. In return, Destin-Fort Walton Beach will provide branding, recognition and engagement opportunities through social media, press releases and marketing campaigns.
Through the collaboration, county leaders are tying tourism, conservation and public outreach into one effort, with the goal of supporting the local environment while keeping the region’s coastal identity at the center of future projects.
