Do you know someone who has done great things for coastal and marine habitat conservation? The NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation and our partner, American Fisheries Society, are seeking nominations for the 2018 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award by June 22, 2018. See nomination instructions and eligibility details (Download File) for more information about the submission process.
NOAA has a long history of honoring outstanding stewards in habitat conservation. Since 1997, when the first Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award was established, NOAA has sought to recognize and honor U.S. citizens for their exceptional contributions to habitat conservation in the coastal and marine environment. The award is presented in honor of Dr. Foster’s outstanding long-term contributions and organizational efforts to protect and restore coastal and marine habitats.
Dr. Foster, a marine biologist from Electra, Texas, served 23 years at NOAA leaving a remarkable imprint on the agency. After joining NOAA in 1977, and NOAA Fisheries in 1986, she created the Office of Habitat Conservation, the NOAA Restoration Center, and the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office. Her career soared to become Deputy Administrator of NOAA Fisheries and in 1987, as the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s Ocean Service. Dr. Foster, the first recipient of the Foster award, passed away in June 2000 creating a legacy as a pioneer and visionary in understanding coastal and marine ecosystems and their conservation.
We continue to honor Dr. Foster’s legacy, her unique vision, and understanding of coastal and marine ecosystems by seeking to recognize today’s stewards of exemplary habitat conservation in the coastal and marine environment. Past award winners have included volunteers, scientists, journalists, teachers, administrators, and others contributing to coastal and marine habitat conservation.
This year NOAA Fisheries is pleased to announce that the 2018 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award will be presented on December 10, 2018, at the Restore America’s Estuaries and Coastal States Organization 9th National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration and Management in Long Beach, California.