Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award Nominations Open Until June 1, 2026
Summary
NOAA's Office of Habitat Conservation has opened the nomination period for the 2026 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award. Nominations are due by June 1, 2026. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and dedication to marine, coastal, and riverine habitat conservation, and nominees must reside in the United States or a U.S. territory.
What changed
NOAA's Office of Habitat Conservation announced the opening of the nomination period for the 2026 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award, with nominations due by June 1, 2026. Established in 1997, the award honors Dr. Nancy Foster's legacy by recognizing volunteers, scientists, journalists, teachers, administrators, and others who have made important contributions to habitat conservation.
This is a routine administrative announcement that does not create any compliance obligations. The nomination form (PDF, 5 pages) includes eligibility information and application instructions. There are no regulatory requirements, penalties, or enforcement implications associated with this announcement.
Archived snapshot
Apr 20, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Nominate an Outstanding Steward in Marine, Coastal, or Riverine Habitat Conservation
April 20, 2026
The Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award nomination period is open until June 1, 2026.
Feature Story | National
Aerial photo of a creek that flows into the Choptank River on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Credit: Dave Harp. Do you know someone who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and dedication to marine, coastal, or riverine habitat conservation?
NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation is seeking nominations for the 2026 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award. Nominations are due by June 1, 2026. The nomination form (PDF, 5 pages) includes information on eligibility and how to apply. Nominees must reside in the United States or a U.S. territory.
History of the Award
NOAA established the Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award in 1997 to recognize and honor individuals for their valuable work in conserving marine, coastal, and riverine environments. The award is presented in honor of Dr. Foster’s exceptional contributions and efforts to protect and restore these habitats.
Dr. Foster’s Legacy
Dr. Foster, a marine biologist from Electra, Texas, served at NOAA for 23 years, leaving a lasting imprint on the agency. She joined NOAA in 1977, and NOAA Fisheries in 1986. There, she created the Office of Habitat Conservation. She served as acting Assistant Administrator and then Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA Fisheries before becoming Assistant Administrator of the NOAA National Ocean Service in 1997. Dr. Foster was the first recipient of the Foster Award. She passed away in June 2000, after creating a legacy as a pioneer and visionary in coastal and marine ecosystem conservation.
We continue to honor Dr. Foster’s legacy, unique vision, and understanding of marine, coastal, and riverine ecosystems. We do so by recognizing today’s outstanding stewards of habitat conservation. Past award winners include volunteers, scientists, journalists, teachers, administrators, and others who have made important contributions to the field.
More Information
- NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation
- 2026 Dr. Nancy Foster Award Nomination Form (PDF, 5 pages)
- Past Award Winners
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