Nominations for 2026 are closed.
The Northeastern Division’s (NED) Awards Committee currently administers four awards recognizing excellence in professionalism/service in northeastern fisheries and aquatic science:
- Dwight A. Webster Memorial Award of Merit
Congratulations to our 2026 winner: John Waldman! - Meritorious Service Award
Congratulations to our 2026 winner: Heather Stewart! - President’s Award
Congratulations to our 2026 winner: Thomas Near! - Special Achievement Award
Congratulations to our 2026 winner: Cameron Bodine!
Congratulations to all current and past NED-AFS Awardees!
Additionally, the NED-AFS offers a separate travel award to support attendance at our annual events. Information on eligibility and application for this award is available on the John Moring Student Travel Awards page.
To submit a nomination:
Nominating colleagues a great way to express how much we appreciate their hard work. Requests for nominations are sent to Chapter and Division officers, Division committee chairs, and Division past-presidents. A call for nominations is sent to the membership via e-mail through the AFS and is published in the Division’s newsletter that comes out in January or February. After reviewing nominations in all four award categories. The NED past-presidents vote on the nominees.
- Gather a nominee’s CV/resume (4 pages max). Ensure you have the following information about the candidate:
- Candidate’s name
- Full contact information
- Biographical information
- Qualifications for the award and/or history of service to the Society.
- Write a short Letter of Nomination (2 pages max) describing why this colleague is deserving of the specific award.
- Letter should include the title and contact information for both the nominator and the nominee.
- Letter should include the title and contact information for both the nominator and the nominee.
- Gather Letters of Support from employers, fisheries professionals, or AFS members/officers endorsing the nominee.
- Email nominations with attachments to the Northeastern Division President at ned.fisheries@gmail.com by the deadline: TBA (5:00 pm ET).
Award recipients will be announced during this year’s annual business meeting. Additional details to come.
Northeastern Division awards and descriptions are listed below. Nominees should meet one or more of the listed achievements to be considered.
Northeastern Division (NED) Award Categories
| Dwight A. Webster Memorial Award The most prestigious award given by the Northeastern Division, this award has been presented annually since 1978. It recognizes individuals for their lifelong contributions to fisheries science and the profession in the Northeast. | Achievements for Consideration 1. Lifelong contributions to fisheries science and the profession in the Northeast or while working in the Northeast 2. Meritorious/prestigious service to the profession and fisheries 3. Significant academic or technical accomplishments 4. Long-term service in the Northeastern Division as an AFS member. |
| Presidents Award Established in 1993, the President’s Award is selected by the current and Past Presidents of the Northeastern Division. While not awarded annually, it honors individuals—regardless of AFS membership—for their exceptional commitment to the missions of the AFS. | Achievements for Consideration 1. Promotion of fisheries management 2. Upheld ideals of professionalism 3. Dedication to AFS and employer |
| Meritorious Service Award Awarded to any active AFS member who has displayed long-term outstanding or distinguished service with dedication, integrity, and effectiveness. | Achievements for Consideration 1. Leadership and service to the profession and/or AFS 2. Substantial achievements for AFS and the fisheries resource 3. Significant long-term service to the NE Division |
| Special Achievement Award This award honors an individual or group (team, committee) for exceptional contributions that advance fisheries conservation or support the fisheries profession within the Northeastern Division. | Achievements for Consideration 1. Notable contribution(s) for conservation and/or the fisheries profession within the Northeastern Division 2. Administrative or project-related accomplishments |
Last updated April 2026. Spot an error, missing info, or broken link? Contact NED-AFS Webmaster Sarah Hudak at shudak@searisksolutions.com.
