Do you know someone who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and dedication to marine, coastal, or riverine habitat conservation?

NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation and the American Fisheries Society are seeking nominations for the 2022 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award. Nominations are due by August 1, 2022. Access the nomination form, which includes information on eligibility and how to apply.

The 2022 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award presentation will take place during the Restore America's Estuaries 2022 Coastal & Estuarine Summit in December. More details will be announced.

History of the Award

With a long history of honoring outstanding stewards in habitat conservation, NOAA first established the Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award in 1997. Since then, NOAA has sought to recognize and honor individuals for their exceptional contributions to conserving marine, coastal, and riverine environments. The award is presented in honor of Dr. Foster's outstanding long-term contributions and organizational efforts to protect and restore these habitats.

Dr. Foster's Legacy

Dr. Foster, a marine biologist from Electra, Texas, dedicated 23 years of outstanding service to NOAA, leaving a remarkable imprint on the agency. She joined NOAA in 1977, and NOAA Fisheries in 1986. There, she created the Office of Habitat Conservation, the NOAA Restoration Center, and the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office. She served as acting Assistant Administrator and then Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA Fisheries before becoming Assistant Administrator of the NOAA National Ocean Service in 1997. Dr. Foster was the first recipient of the Foster Award. She passed away in June 2000, after creating a legacy as a pioneer and visionary in coastal and marine ecosystem conservation.

We continue to honor Dr. Foster's legacy, her unique vision, and understanding of marine, coastal, and riverine ecosystems. We do so by recognizing today's stewards of exemplary habitat conservation. Past award winners include volunteers, scientists, journalists, teachers, administrators, and others who have made important contributions to the field.