NC Coastal Federation to recognize conservation efforts | Island Free Press

North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Pelican Awards Recognize Efforts to Protect the Coast

During the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Pelican Awards ceremony on Saturday, individuals and organizations will be recognized for their exceptional efforts to protect the state’s coast. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the awards, which honor those who have made significant contributions to conservation.

Separate Events for Ceremony and Celebration

In previous years, the Pelican Awards ceremony was followed by the Taste of the Coast celebration. However, this year, the two events will be held separately. While the ceremony is already sold out, a limited number of tickets for the Taste of the Coast celebration can be purchased at the door.

Coastwide Winners

• Kenneth S. Chestnut Sr. is being recognized for a “Lifetime of Dedicated Leadership and Community Service.” Chestnut, the retired president and CEO of IBG Construction Services LLC, has provided invaluable guidance to the Coastal Federation in their efforts to protect and restore coastal areas.
• John Griffin and Bill Husted are being recognized “For Outstanding Volunteer Efforts to Advance the NC Oyster Trail.” Griffin and Husted have played a key role in promoting and developing the NC Oyster Trail, which showcases North Carolina’s oyster industry.
• Jimmy Johnson and Anne Deaton are being recognized “For Being Enduring Champions of Coastal Habitat Protection and Restoration.” Johnson and Deaton have worked together since 2006 on implementing the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan, demonstrating their commitment to protecting and restoring fish habitats.
• Richard Cecelski is being recognized “For Providing Decades of Impactful Coastal Educational Experiences for Students and Teachers.” Cecelski, the founder of Carolina Ocean Studies, has introduced hundreds of thousands of school children to the wonders of the coast and has trained marine science graduates.
• David Cecelski is being recognized for “Inspired Community Service Guided by a Lifetime of Sharing Our Coast’s History and Traditions.” Cecelski was the Coastal Federation’s first volunteer and played a crucial role in mobilizing support against a proposed strip-mining project. He is also a distinguished coastal historian.
• Chris Matteo is being recognized for “Unwavering Dedication to Growing NC’s Mariculture Industry.” Matteo has been instrumental in promoting shellfish aquaculture and has helped develop the North Carolina Shellfish Mariculture Strategic Plan.
• Brian Rubino is being recognized for “Leadership in Living Shoreline Design, Permitting and Implementation.” Rubino and his team at Quible & Associates have been at the forefront of promoting and implementing living shorelines along the coast.

Northeast Winners

• Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar is being recognized for their “Dedicated Partnership to Recycle Oyster Shells for Coastal Restoration.” The restaurant has been actively involved in the Coastal Federation’s Restaurant to Reef program, recycling oyster shells for use in coastal restoration projects.
• Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy is being recognized “For Decades of Reliable and In-Depth Press Coverage on Coastal Environmental Issues.” Goodloe-Murphy, a staff writer for The Coastland Times, has been instrumental in raising awareness about coastal environmental issues and has worked on various conservation projects.

Central Winners

• Todd Kelly is being recognized “For Promoting and Advancing the Use of Living Shorelines in Carteret County.” Kelly, a technician at the Carteret County Soil and Water Conservation District, has partnered with the Coastal Federation to implement numerous living shoreline projects in the area.
• Dr. Caresse Gerald is being recognized “For Impactful Leadership that Inspires the Next Generation of Coastal Environmental Professionals.” Dr. Gerald, a professor at North Carolina Central University, has been instrumental in connecting her students to coastal environmental issues and opportunities.
• Janice Allen is being recognized “For Decades of Effective Leadership to Protect Our Coast’s Natural Heritage and Environmental Quality.” Allen, who led protection efforts for the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, has played a crucial role in conserving coastal land and habitats.

Southeast Winners

• Joe Suleyman is being recognized “For Support of and Dedication to Oyster Shell Recycling.” Suleyman, the director of the New Hanover County Environmental Management Department, has implemented programs to promote oyster shell recycling and improve environmental management in the county.
• Cody and Rachel Faison are being recognized “For Advancing Community Oyster Shell Recycling and Coastal Restoration.” The Faisons, owners of the Ghost Fleet Oyster Co., have been instrumental in promoting oyster shell recycling and coastal restoration efforts.
• Nancy Faye Craig is being recognized “For Exceptional Volunteer Contributions to Our Coast.” Craig has been actively involved in the restoration efforts of the Coastal Federation’s Stanback Coastal Education Center, contributing her time and effort to ensure its success.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Addressed:

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
2. SDG 15: Life on Land

Targets Identified:

• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

Indicators:

• Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches
• Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The article discusses efforts to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, promote oyster shell recycling, and advance the mariculture industry, all of which contribute to the conservation of marine and land habitats.

Based on the content of the article, specific targets that can be identified include Target 14.2, which focuses on sustainably managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, and Target 15.5, which aims to reduce habitat degradation and prevent species extinction.

The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. Indicator 14.2.1 measures the proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches, which aligns with efforts to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems. Indicator 15.5.1, the Red List Index, measures the conservation status of species and can be used to track progress in preventing species extinction and halting biodiversity loss.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: islandfreepress.org

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