The American Fisheries Society (AFS) Stanley A. Moberly Award for Outstanding Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation was established in 2019 to annually recognize efforts of as many as three individuals, groups, or projects with an outstanding, long-term record of success in research, management, policy, communications, education, or other fields that support fish habitat conservation. The award was developed by the AFS Fish Habitat Section in partnership with NOAA Fisheries and the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP). The award is named after AFS President Stanley A. Moberly (1987-1988) whose leadership, vision, and 20+ years of effort helped to establish the National Fish Habitat Partnership and ensure AFS has a dedicated seat on the NFHP Board. NFHP includes 20 regional fish habitat partnerships, overlapping all 50 states, working diligently to enhance, conserve, and restore fish habitats.
Past Award Recipients
- 2019 Stanley A. Moberly
- 2020 Jeff Boxrucker
- 2021 Christopher Estes
- 2022 Tom Bigford
- 2023 Mark Porath and Don Gabelhouse
- 2024 Stan T. Allen
- 2025 Jim Turek
Latest Moberly Award News
- Last Chance! Nominate Someone for the Moberly Award by April 13!
The American Fisheries Society and National Fish Habitat Partnership sponsor the Stanley A. Moberly Award for Outstanding Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation. The Stanley A. Moberly Award for Outstanding Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation was established in 2019 to annually recognize efforts of as many as three individuals, groups, or projects with an outstanding, long-term… Read more: Last Chance! Nominate Someone for the Moberly Award by April 13! - Congrats to Jim Turek on a Career of ConservationCongratulations to Jim Turek, recipient of the 2025 Stanley A. Moberly Award for Outstanding Contributions to Fish Habitat Conservation. James (“Jim”) Turek is a restoration ecologist, living in Rhode Island, with more than 40 years of work experience in fishery biology, aquatic ecology, and ecological restoration. Before retiring in April 2025, Jim worked for 25… Read more: Congrats to Jim Turek on a Career of Conservation
- Reminder of 2025 Award Nominations!
Nominations for the 2025 Stanley A. Moberly Award for Outstanding Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation and the Rising Star Award for Outstanding Early-Career Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation are now being accepted! Both awards were developed by the AFS Fish Habitat Section in partnership with NOAA Fisheries and the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP). Student… Read more: Reminder of 2025 Award Nominations! - Call for 2025 Award Nominations!Nominations for the 2025 Stanley A. Moberly Award for Outstanding Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation and the Rising Star Award for Outstanding Early-Career Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation are now being accepted! Both awards were developed by the AFS Fish Habitat Section in partnership with NOAA Fisheries and the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP). Student… Read more: Call for 2025 Award Nominations!
- Stan Allen Recognized for Fish Habitat Contributions with 2024 Moberly Award
Stan Allen of the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission was honored with the 2024 Stanley A. Moberly Fish Habitat Conservation Award from the American Fisheries Society. Congratulations, Stan, and thank you for your amazing work! After completing his education at Boise State University, Stan has had a long anddistinguished career in fisheries starting with Idaho… Read more: Stan Allen Recognized for Fish Habitat Contributions with 2024 Moberly Award
To be eligible for the Moberly Award, nominees must have been actively engaged in conservation-related fish habitat activities for at least 20 years of professional experience in freshwater, coastal, and/or marine systems. Nomination packages should include a cover letter and up to three support letters OR up to two support letters and a CV. The total amount of material for a package is capped at 10 pages.
- Cover letter (limit 2 pages)
- Up to three supporting documents, which may include:
- Current CV (limit 4 pages), and/or
- Supporting letters (limit 2 pages each)
Nomination Process
Contact: David Thorne, Committee Chair & Fish Habitat Section Past President
Nomination deadline: April 1, 2025
Submit nominations online: https://afsawards.awardsplatform.com/
