State's ocean heroes recognized

Published on January 28th, 2010

By SEWARD PHOENIX LOG STAFF

Nearly 600 guests attended the Marine Gala in Anchorage. (Courtesy Photo, CLARK JAMES MISHLER)

Sen. Mark Begich, Jean-Michel Cousteau and Alaska SeaLife Center's Ian Dutton discuss ocean issues at the Alaska Marine Gala on Jan. 17. The Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards were presented to six individuals and organizations during the event. (Courtesy Photo, CLARK JAMES MISHLER)

On Jan. 16, before an enthusiastic audience of nearly 600 guests at the first Alaska Marine Gala at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage, the Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards Committee presented awards to six different organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to awareness and sustainability of the state's marine resources.

The Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards were established to encourage and recognize outstanding achievements in marine-focused media, industry, research, education and resource management. 

Awards were presented to the following recipients:

• The Kenai Fjords Tours Marine Science Explorer Program won the award for Ocean Literacy, sponsored by Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence, an NSF-funded program. As part of CIRI Alaska Tourism, Kenai Fjords Tours has provided unique vessel-based programs for over 36,000 students and teachers since 1995. 

• Elizabeth Arnold, producer of "Encounters: Radio Experiences in the North" won the Ocean Media Award, for excellence in journalism that has raised public awareness of Alaska's oceans. The UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences sponsored the award.

• Gordon Kruse from UAF received the Ocean Research Award for his work on mathematical models and fisheries data analysis that has shaped harvest management policies. The award was sponsored by the Alaska SeaLife Center.

• The Marine Conservation Alliance was recognized with the Stewardship and Sustainability Award, sponsored by Mr. Jason Brune. The MCA is a coalition of seafood processors, harvesters, communities, CDQ groups, and support services that has been instrumental in protecting marine ecosystems through sound science and open public processes.

• Gov. Walter J. Hickel and his wife Ermalee have endowed the Lifetime Achievement Award for the next 10 years, and the committee decided to recognize two different individuals who have made exceptional contributions to management of Alaska's coastal and ocean resources over a period 25 years or more. The first award went to Dr. Vera Alexander, Professor Emeritus at the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and first woman to earn a Ph.D. at UAF. The committee cited Dr. Alexander's exceptional contributions to marine research. 

Sen. Ted Stevens earned the other Lifetime Achievement Award, based in part on his role in authoring the Magnuson-Stevens Act that governs marine fisheries management and helps ensure sustainable resource development. Sen. Stevens was unable to accept his award in person, but sent thanks and appreciation for the recognition.

Mrs. Sturgulewski chaired the awards committee. Other members included Mike Devlin of Evergreen Films, Dr. Clarence Pautze of the North Pacific Research Board, Jason Brune of the Resource Development Council, and Molly McCammon of the Alaska Ocean Observing Systems, along with SeaLife Center education manager Nikki Nelson. 

The awards, which attracted widespread interest with more than 20 nominations, will be a key component of future Alaska Marine Gala functions, according to Ian Dutton, SeaLife Center CEO.

"We were delighted to be able to help recognize the great work being undertaken by these ocean heroes," he said.  

A plaque recognizing all award winners will be displayed at the SeaLife Center. Calls for nominations for the next round of awards will be made in mid-2010.