Improving Federal Investment in Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation
The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act is a bipartisan effort to strengthen federal support for organizations responding to and caring for stranded sea turtles. Championed by the National Aquarium and partners nationwide, the bill seeks to expand an existing federal grant program to include rescue and rehabilitation facilities that play a vital role in sea turtle conservation. With broad support from Congress and dozens of conservation organizations, this legislation would authorize sustainable funding to ensure more sea turtles recover and return to the wild.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
11:00 am EST
For more information about the bill and the sea turtle federal funding background, visit here. Please register for the webinar in advance. Once you’ve registered, the confirmation email will include the Zoom link.
Presenting from the National Aquarium:
Maggie Ostdahl
Maggie Ostdahl is the Director of Conservation Policy at the National Aquarium, where she leads the Aquarium’s engagement on local, state, and federal policies in support of the organization’s priorities to stop plastic pollution, combat climate change, and save wildlife and habitats. Maggie is an experienced marine conservation professional, having worked in 6 states and 2 countries at the intersection of science-based policy, outreach, and communication around ocean issues including fisheries, sustainable seafood, plastic pollution, and ecosystem management. Aside from ocean advocacy, she loves dogs, plays piano and djembe drums, and is working on cultivating a green thumb. Maggie has a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science from Duke University and an M.A. in Marine Policy from the University of Washington.
Ryan Fredriksson
As vice president of government affairs, Ryan Fredriksson leads and implements the National Aquarium’s government affairs strategy, policy advocacy and relationship development with community, political and government leaders. Ryan and his team ensure the National Aquarium is well positioned to generate public-sector support and investment, working directly with elected and appointed officials to share the Aquarium’s impact and advocate on behalf of the Aquarium’s needs. Prior to joining the Aquarium in 2017, Ryan worked for Maryland’s William Donald Schaefer Center for Public Policy, as a graduate fellow and later a research analyst, where he helped develop assessments and strategic solutions to challenges facing several public and nonprofit organizations. He also has experience working directly for local and state elected leaders, including previously serving as a legislative aide in the Maryland General Assembly. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Towson University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore.
If you’d like to provide a question for the webinar presenters ahead of time, please email info@serstn.org.