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 Ciona Ulbrich, winner of the 2022 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.
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.
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
Carrie Selberg Robinson (front row, right) at groundbreaking ceremony for Herring River Restoration Project in Cape Cod, MA.
Klamath River. Credit: Shane Anderson.
Woman holds a red drum while sitting in a kayak on the water. Credit: Sandra Lewis.
Chinook salmon jump in frothy white water. Credit: Laura Mahoney/USFWS
