The Northeastern Division of the American Fisheries Society proudly honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to fisheries science, conservation, education, leadership, and service within the region. Each year, these awards recognize the dedication and achievements of our members and partners who help advance the mission of AFS.

This page lists previous award winners to celebrate their lasting impact on the profession. To learn more about AFS awards, navigate to the Awards & Nominations page.

Year Dwight A. Webster Memorial AwardPresident’s AwardMeritorious Service AwardSpecial Achievement Award
2026John WaldmanThomas NearHeather StewartCameron Bodine
2025Patrick Shirey
2024Scott DeckerLauren Cook
2023Eric HutchinsJud KratzerStacy Furgal, Jo Johnson, and Megan Kocher, NYC-AFS Women in Fisheries Subcommittee
2022Dr. Eric SchultzAbigail ArcherScott SchlueterDr. Lian Guo
2021Dr. Neil H. RinglerDr. Rich Bell
2020Tom SavoyKim McKownScott SchleuterDr. Peter Park, NOAA Fishery Biology Program
2019Karin LimburgJeff BrustMike CelestinoAbigail Archer, Sean Lucey, Bill Duffy, Sara Turner
2018Ken Able
2017Curt OrvisMargaret MurphyJohn Cooper
2016Ron EssigSteve Gephard
2015Donna ParrishPaul PerraGreg Kozlowski
2014Brian RothschildAlan LibbyMichele Dionne
2013Joan TrialStephen Perry
2012Thomas B. Hoff
2011Steve A. Murawski
2010Victor CreccoForest BonneyRoy W. MillerDiadromous Fisheries Conference Committee
2009Carolyn A. GriswoldKenneth Sprankle
2008Boyd E. Kynard
2007Kenneth ShermanDouglas Stang
2006Barbara A. Knuth
2005Kenneth L. BealKenneth I. BealStephen G. Rideout
2004Saul B. SailaMichael FogartyRobert J. SousaDaniel F. Schick
2003Angelo IncerpiRobert M. NeumannGrace Klein-MacPhee, Bruce B. Collette
2002Michael SissenwineStephen Gephard
2001Edward MillsLinda BireleyNeil RinglerRichard St. Pierre, Michael L. Hendricks
2000Robert F. CarlineCarolyn A. GriswoldRichard Sisson
1999Leigh Bridges
1998
1997
1996
1995Charles Thoits
1994Kendall Warner
1996Gordon Trembley





Have Someone in Mind for an Award?

Know someone who’s made a big impact in fisheries science, conservation, education, or service? Now’s the time to recognize them!

Visit our Awards & Nominations page to explore the available awards and to learn how to nominate a deserving member of the AFS community. Let’s celebrate the people moving our profession forward!








Last updated April 2026. Spot an error, missing info, or broken link? Contact NED-AFS Webmaster Sarah Hudak at shudak@searisksolutions.com.