Awards

Gulf of Maine Council Annual Awards

The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment recognizes efforts by individuals, groups or organizations that seek to protect, enhance and restore the ecosystem of the Gulf of Maine region and safeguard and improve the wellbeing of the communities that depend on its resources. The Council has established awards to bestow on individuals and organizations for their exemplary work as stewards of the ocean. Each year the Council accepts nominations for its Visionary Awards, Sustainable Communities Award, Industry Award, Longard Volunteer Award, and Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award.

The Gulf of Maine Council’s 2025 Awards Program has been postponed until 2026. Nominations submitted for the 2025 program will be considered in 2026. Program details and nomination forms will be posted here in early 2026. 

Gulf of Maine Visionary Awards

Up to two individuals, businesses, or organizations within each state and province bordering the Gulf of Maine will be selected to receive Visionary Awards (paid professionals or volunteers are eligible). The awards recognize innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment. Recipients may work in the fields of environmental science, education, conservation or policy. They may be engaged in projects that involve public awareness, grassroots action, or business/manufacturing practices.

Gulf of Maine Sustainable Communities Award

Each year, the Gulf of Maine Council recognizes a community, or group within a community, for exemplary work in achieving sustainability outcomes related to the environment and economy, that are in line with the objectives of the Council’s Action Plan.

Gulf of Maine Industry Award

The Gulf of Maine Industry Award is made annually to one individual, company, or organization within the Gulf of Maine region (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia). The Award recognizes demonstrated innovation and leadership in efforts to improve the well-being of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that call it home. Nominations are sought from the following sectors: tourism; fisheries (commercial and recreational); aquaculture (finfish and shellfish); renewable energy generation (tidal, wave and wind) and; transportation (shipping, ferries, etc.).

Longard Volunteer Award

The Council presents this annual award to an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed who has made significant contributions to conserving or managing the Gulf’s resources. Past recipients have been involved in stewardship projects, educational programs, volunteer monitoring and scientific research. The award is named in memory of Art Longard, a Nova Scotia resident and devoted conservationist who helped to conceive and launch the Gulf of Maine Council.

Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award

The Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award is bestowed in memory of Susan Snow-Cotter, a long-time friend of the Council and Working Group. The Award is given to an individual from one of the five states and provinces bordering the Gulf of Maine. The Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award honors those coastal management professionals who exemplify outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed. As former Director of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Susan was recognized as a leader who exhibited unwavering passion, enthusiasm, and insight to develop pragmatic approaches to coastal management challenges.

Congratulations to 2024 Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2024 award winners who were recognized during a ceremony on June 11, 2024 Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts.

Gulf of Maine Council award winners and friends, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, June 11, 2024.

 

Congratulations to Past Award Winners

Quick Links

Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment Home