Coastal Resources

Destin-Fort Walton Beach partners with Yamaha Rightwaters on environmental stewardship

Okaloosa County's tourism team announced a three-year partnership with Yamaha Rightwaters supporting the SS United States artificial reef project and the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament.

Jared Williams

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Okaloosa County’s tourism team with Destin-Fort Walton Beach has announced a partnership with the Yamaha Rightwaters initiative aimed at supporting sustainable fisheries, environmental stewardship and eco-tourism.

The partnership includes projects tied to the planned deployment of the SS United States as the world’s largest artificial reef, as well as the county’s ongoing management of the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament.

“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,” Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin said. “We welcome this partnership and look forward to the environmental benefits that it will provide.”

Under the three-year sponsorship, Yamaha Rightwaters will promote environmental stewardship through marketing, outreach and direct project support, while Destin-Fort Walton Beach will provide branding, recognition and engagement opportunities to Yamaha.

The agreement includes prominent Yamaha Rightwaters logo placement on the SS United States vessel, along with integration into Destin-Fort Walton Beach social media, press releases and marketing campaigns. Yamaha Rightwaters will also be recognized as a Gold sponsor of the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament.

Yamaha Rightwaters will provide significant in-kind and financial support as part of the agreement. The contribution includes two 300-horsepower Yamaha outboard motors, one Helm Master EX joystick boat control system and one G3 all-aluminum fishing vessel package. The motors and equipment will be placed on an existing boat that was donated to the county in March 2026.

The company will also provide an annual cash sponsorship of $15,000 for three years, totaling $45,000, in support of the Emerald Coast Open and Tarpon Invitational tournaments.

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