Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award
The Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award was established by the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation in 1997 to recognize exceptional achievement and dedication to habitat conservation in the coastal and marine environment.
Congratulations to Damon Moore, winner of the 2024 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award.
Winners of the Dr. Nancy Foster Award must demonstrate exceptional achievement and dedication to habitat conservation in the coastal and marine environment. Since its inception, the American Fisheries Society has been an instrumental partner for this award.
More about Dr. Nancy Foster
A marine biologist from Electra, Texas, Dr. Nancy Foster dedicated 23 years of outstanding service to NOAA, leaving a remarkable imprint on the agency. After earning a masters in marine biology from Texas Christian University and a doctorate in marine biology from George Washington University, Dr. Foster began her tenure at NOAA in 1977. In 1986 she joined NOAA Fisheries and under her direction, NOAA created the Office of Habitat Conservation, the NOAA Restoration Center, and the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office. Dr. Foster served as acting assistant administrator and then deputy assistant administrator of NOAA Fisheries before leaving to become assistant administrator of the NOAA Ocean Service in 1997.
Dr. Foster died in June 2000 after a year-long battle with cancer. Throughout her life, she carved the path as a pioneer and visionary in understanding marine ecosystems and their conservation and as a mentor to many who followed her into a career with NOAA.
Previous Award Winners
- Damon Moore – 2024
- Ciona Ulbrich – 2022
- Dr. Anne Shaffer – 2020
- Terry Williams – 2018
- Dr. Brandt Henningsen – 2018
- Lynda V. Mapes – 2016
- Paul Dest – 2016
- Dr. Kenneth Able – 2014
- Kelly Hepler & John Cooper – 2014
- Eric Schwaab - 2012
- Mary Yoklavich - 2012
- Dr. Garry Mayer - 2012
- Robin Bruckner – 2011
- Stan Moberly – 2011
- Bob Hoffman – 2011
- Dr. Charles Rabeni – 2010
- Charles Simenstad – 2009
- Peter Wellenberger – 2008
- Dr. Usha Varanasi – 2007
- Dr. Elliot A. Norse – 2006
- Peter Clark – 2005
- Carlos Fetterolf – 2004
- Dr. Lawrence P. Rozas – 2003
- Worrall Reed “Nick” Carter, III – 2002
- Nathaniel Bingham – 1998
- Dr. Nancy Foster – 1997