Just one day in advance of International Migratory Bird Day May 11, a Who’s Who of Bay-area conservation leaders gathered at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary to celebrate the recent designation of San Francisco Bay as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Above, representatives from 21 conservation organizations around the bay received certificates at the ceremony in honor of their support of the designation. More photos below the fold (all photos by Sarah Thompson Photography).

Congressman Jared Huffman speaks to the crowd.

Audubon Vice President of the Pacific Flyway Mike Sutton with Marin Audubon President Barbara Salzman.

Diane Ross-Leech, who chairs the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture's Management Board, opened the ceremony.

Rowan Gould, deputy director of operations for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary Director Jordan Wellwood with Mike Lynes, executive director of Golden Gate Audubon.