Doug Gregory Receives NOAA Marine Stewardship Award
Doug Gregory, Florida Sea Grant marine extension faculty in Key West, Fla., is one of six individuals nationwide who have recently been honored with the Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Award presented annually by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Gregory has received the Public Education, Community Service, and Media Award for his long-term efforts promoting sustainable fishing practices within the Florida Keys commercial fishing industry, and increasing public understanding of the value of the industry to the community.
The awards program, presented jointly by NOAA Fisheries Service and Fish for the Future Foundation, annually recognizes outstanding performance, achievements and leadership by industries, organizations and individuals whose contributions to science and management promote the sustained use of U.S. ocean resources.
“A major focus of Doug’s work in the Florida Keys has been to use local media – both newspapers and radio – to increase awareness of fisheries management issues and the value of the commercial and recreational fishing industries to the economy and communities of the Keys,” said Karl Havens, Florida Sea Grant director. “He also encourages commercial fishermen to actively participate in the decision-making process with state and federal natural resources managers that will help ensure valuable fisheries such as spiny lobster and shrimp remain sustainable for future generations.”
Gregory was nominated for the award by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association. He and the other winners were honored in a ceremony earlier this month in Washington, D.C. Overall, the program received 70 nominees.
Gregory has served as a marine extension agent with Florida Sea Grant since 1991, and also serves as the Monroe County Extension Director with the Institute of Food and Agricultures Sciences at the University of Florida. He is a technical adviser to committees for both the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic Fishery Management councils.
Watch a short video presented during the Sustainable Awards ceremony. (requires QuickTime player)
LeRoy Creswell Earns Service Recognitions
LeRoy Creswell, a Florida Sea Grant marine extension faculty member with St. Lucie County Cooperative Extension in Fort Pierce, Fla., has recently received a pair of recognitions from professional and environmental organizations.
Creswell received the Outstanding Environmental Service Award from the Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie County, one of the Treasure Coast’s most influential conservation organizations, for his efforts in providing marine education.
The Alliance has a membership of approximately 150 area residents who work to conserve beaches and coastal waters in St. Lucie County. The group was founded in 1972, and has been instrumental in the acquisition and development of lands for Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and Savannas Preserve State Park.
“LeRoy has always been so active in so many areas, especially with his children’s programs, and has always been so helpful any time he has been asked,” said Lace Bitunac, one of the Alliance’s board members. “His name came up so many times that we said he’s overdue for an award.”
Creswell was also elected vice president of the National Shellfisheries Association, an international organization of researchers, resource managers, and industry members concerned with the science and management of oysters, shrimp, lobster, clams and other commercially important shellfish.
The association, founded in 1908, it is one of the oldest scientific associations in the United States and now has a membership of more than 600, representing 34 nations. As vice president, Creswell will chair the program for the association’s 101st conference, scheduled for March, 2009 in Savannah, Ga. The conference is expected to attract more than 300 participants.
This is the second time Creswell has been elected to the vice president’s position. He was also presented with the association’s David H. Wallace award in 2000, in recognition of efforts promoting cooperation among scientists, producers, and regulators.