Marine extension agent and faculty member receive awards

June 12, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Doug Gregory, Florida Sea Grant marine extension agent in Key West, Fla., and LeRoy Creswell, a Florida Sea Grant marine extension faculty member with St. Lucie County Cooperative Extension in Fort Pierce, Fla., have recently received awards.

Gregory is one of six individuals nationwide who earlier this month was honored in Washington D.C. with the Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Award presented annually by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He received the Public Education, Community Service, and Media Award for his long-term efforts promoting sustainable fishing practices within the Florida Keys’ commercial fishing industry, and for increasing public understanding of the value of the industry to the community.

Florida Sea Grant Director Karl Havens credits Gregory for using local media to increase awareness of fisheries management issues and the value of the commercial and recreational fishing industries to the economy and communities of the Keys. Gregory is also credited for his participation in helping to sustain spiny lobster and shrimp fisheries for future generations.

Gregory has served as a marine extension agent with Florida Sea Grant since 1991, and also serves as the Monroe County Extension director with the Institute of Food and Agricultures Sciences at the University of Florida.

Leroy Creswell received the Outstanding Environmental Service Award from the Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie County, one of the Treasure Coast’s most influential conservation organizations, for his efforts providing marine outreach and education programs.

“LeRoy has always been so active in so many areas, especially with his children’s programs, and has always been so helpful any time he has been asked,” said Lace Bitunac, one of the Alliance’s board members. “His name came up so many times that we said he’s overdue for an award.”

Creswell also was elected vice president of the National Shellfisheries Association, an international organization of researchers, resource managers, and industry members concerned with the science and management of oysters, shrimp, lobster, clams and other commercially important shellfish. This is the second time Creswell has been elected to the vice president’s position.