Contact: Lee A. Fuiman
361-749-6730
lee@utmsi.utexas.edu

Date: October 30, 2006

Marine Science Institute Staff and Collaborators Honored at 4^th Annual Coastal Bend Conservation & Environmental Stewardship Awards Banquet

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas—The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation recognized the contributions of staff and friends of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in its annual awards banquet on October 25, 2006.  Twelve conservation and environmental stewardship awards were given out that evening.  David Sikes wrote about these awards in his column in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times newspaper.

Recipients of Coastal Bend Conservation & Environmental Stewardship awards
(l to r): Sally Crofutt, Scott Holt, Joan Holt, and Paul Montagna.  Photo by Larry Green.

Joan and Scott Holt received the award for Public Service, which is given for efforts and leadership that exceed their job requirements.  David Sikes wrote: "Together, the Holts helped put Port Aransas on the Great Texas Birding Trail and Texas Tropical Trail. And they helped bring the inaugural Tarpon Tomorrow Symposium to the UT Marine Science Institute. Their birding exploits include supporting local birding sites, monitoring bird migrations and serving on boards and committees with conservation programs and volunteering with ornithological projects."

The Fennessey Ranch, a principal partner in the Marine Science Institute's Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, was the recipient of the Coastal Community award for farsighted public stewardship of coastal resources and for leadership in enhancing our coastal environment.  Ranch manager, Sally Crofutt, spearheaded efforts to develop conservation partnerships. According to Sikes, "Through a partnership with the University of Texas, Fennessey Ranch as perpetually protected more than 3,250 acres by designating it as conservation easement...Fennessey Ranch has partnered with the Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest and Images for Conservation to help showcase its wildlife for education through nature photography."

The prestigious Chairman's Award was given to Paul Montagna.  This award recognizes extended commitment and extraordinary effectiveness in preserving our rich coastal heritage. Dr. Montagna was recognized for his work at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute to establish a National Estuarine Research Reserve in South Texas. Sikes wrote: "Designating this 185,000-acres of land and submerged habitat as the Mission-Aransas NERR required extraordinary vision, leadership and determination from Montagna."