Alaska’s “Ocean Heroes” Recognized at First Alaska Marine Gala

(Press Release 19 January, 2009)

Last Sunday evening, 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. Committee Chair Mrs. Arliss Sturgulewski presented the awards to:

• The Kenai Fjords Tours Marine Science Explorer Program won the award for Ocean Literacy, sponsored by COSEE (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.

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

• For his work on mathematical models and fisheries data analysis that has shaped harvest management policies, Dr. Gordon Kruse from UAF was given the Ocean Research Award, sponsored by the Alaska SeaLife Center.

• The Marine Conservation Alliance (MCA) 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.

• Governor 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 University of Alaska Fairbanks 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.

Senator 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. Senator Stevens was unable to accept his award in person, but sent thanks and appreciation for the recognition.

Mrs. Sturgulewski, who has served the community as an elected official and on many statewide boards and commissions, 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.

“These awards attracted widespread interest with more than 20 nominations made in 2009, and they will be a key component of the Alaska Marine Gala in future years.” said Dr. Ian Dutton, Alaska SeaLife Center CEO. “We were delighted to be able to help recognize the great work being undertaken by these ocean heroes.” 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.