Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award

The Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission has established the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award for Maryland-related recreational fisheries. This award is to be considered the most prestigious fisheries award in Maryland to recognize an individual who has provided sustained efforts in habitat management, conservation, education, research or other meaningful contributions that benefit fish and recreational fishing in Maryland. The award is a celebration of conservation, education and sportsmanship.

Nominations are accepted once a year, from December through January, with winner(s) receiving their award during a July ceremony.

Procedures

• The state will announce the acceptance of nominations for the award at the beginning of each December with a deadline of January 31.
• Nominators must submit a completed nomination form and a detailed essay describing the nominee’s contributions to Maryland's recreational fisheries. (Submissions that fail to meet these guidelines will be disqualified.)
• Sitting commissioners may nominate individuals for the award.
• Sitting commissioners cannot be nominated for the award.
• A minimum of two approved nominations must be received in order to proceed with a review of nominations.
• The Award Subcommittee is open to all commissioners and other interested parties.
• The judging panel will have the final say on recommendation(s).
• Judging panel’s recommendation(s) will go before the commission for a final vote during the April commission meeting.
• The winner will receive a proclamation signed by the governor, the secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and chair of the Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission. 
• A donation will be made to a fisheries-related organization designated by the recipient of the award.