Polynesian Voyaging Society master navigator Bruce Blankenfeld was presented Sunday with the 2018 Papahanaumokuakea Umu Kai Award for inspiring the next generation to take an active role in ocean sustainability and perpetuating traditional wayfinding.

The award, established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries for Pa­pahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, is presented to a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner who invokes the spirit of traditional fishing practices and management while adapting to modern fishing environments. Papahanau­mokuakea staff presented the award at the World Oceans Day celebration at Ko Olina.

In addition to being one of Hawaii’s five “pwo” (master) navigators, Blankenfeld served as crew training coordinator and captain on the Hokule‘a Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. A long-distance paddler, fisherman and coach, Blankenfeld began his association with the Polynesian Voyaging Society in 1977 and was part of the 1980 crew that sailed from Tahiti to Hawaii. Since then, he has sailed more than 70,000 miles using traditional, noninstrument methods.

The late Uncle Eddie Kaanaana was the first recipient of the award in 2006. Other recipients include Hawaiian navigator Nainoa Thompson, former Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairman William Aila Jr., Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park ranger and traditional ulua fisherman Clarence “Aku” Hauanio, and Uncle Mac Poepoe, a fisherman and community leader on Molokai.