North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Pelican Awards Ceremony
Introduction
The North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Pelican Awards ceremony is an annual event that recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts in protecting the state’s coast. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the awards, which aim to inspire others to become champions for the coast. The ceremony is followed by the Taste of the Coast celebration, where attendees can enjoy wine, food pairings, live music, and fresh North Carolina oysters.
Coastwide Winners
Kenneth S. Chestnut Sr.
Kenneth S. Chestnut Sr. is being recognized for his “Lifetime of Dedicated Leadership and Community Service.” As the vice president of the Coastal Federation, Chestnut has played a crucial role in the preconstruction process for the new Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration. His guidance and attention to detail have been invaluable in ensuring informed decisions and solid contracts.
John Griffin and Bill Husted
John Griffin and Bill Husted are being recognized for their “Outstanding Volunteer Efforts to Advance the NC Oyster Trail.” They have been instrumental in promoting the NC Oyster Trail since its launch in 2020, helping develop the trail, recruit businesses, and host educational displays. Their dedication has led to statewide recognition of all things oysters.
Jimmy Johnson and Anne Deaton
Jimmy Johnson and Anne Deaton are being recognized for being “Enduring Champions of Coastal Habitat Protection and Restoration.” Johnson served as chair of the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission during the enactment of the Fisheries Reform Act, while Deaton has been working on implementing the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan since 2000. Their commitment to protecting and restoring fish habitats is truly inspirational.
Richard Cecelski
Richard Cecelski is being recognized for providing “Decades of Impactful Coastal Educational Experiences for Students and Teachers.” As the founder of Carolina Ocean Studies, Cecelski has introduced hundreds of school children and environmental educators to the coast’s history, culture, and politics. His work has made a lasting impact on the next generation of coastal environmental professionals.
David Cecelski
David Cecelski is being recognized for his “Inspired Community Service Guided by a Lifetime of Sharing Our Coast’s History and Traditions.” As the Coastal Federation’s first volunteer, Cecelski played a crucial role in stopping a proposed strip-mining project in northeastern North Carolina. He has since become a distinguished coastal historian, writing award-winning books and articles about the coast’s history and culture.
Chris Matteo
Chris Matteo is being recognized for his “Unwavering Dedication to Growing NC’s Mariculture Industry.” Matteo has been instrumental in promoting shellfish aquaculture and has contributed significantly to the development of the North Carolina Shellfish Mariculture Strategic Plan. His efforts have helped advance North Carolina’s mariculture industry and support the state’s coastal ecosystem.
Brian Rubino
Brian Rubino is being recognized for his “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. Their work has helped reduce shoreline erosion, provide habitat, and improve water quality in coastal areas.
Northeast Winners
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar is being recognized for its “Dedicated Partnership to Recycle Oyster Shells for Coastal Restoration.” The restaurant has hosted a trailer for oyster shell recycling as part of the Coastal Federation’s Restaurant to Reef program. They have also collaborated with the federation on oyster farm tours, raising awareness about the importance of oysters in maintaining a healthy coast.
Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy
Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy is being recognized for her “Decades of Reliable and In-Depth Press Coverage on Coastal Environmental Issues.” As a staff writer for The Coastland Times, Goodloe-Murphy has been instrumental in keeping the residents of Hatteras Island informed about coastal environmental issues. She has also been actively involved in addressing stormwater runoff and improving water quality in the area.
Central Winners
Todd Kelly
Todd Kelly is being recognized for his “Promotion and Advancement of Living Shorelines in Carteret County.” As the Carteret County Soil and Water Conservation District technician, Kelly has partnered with the Coastal Federation to implement marsh sill projects and stormwater best management practices. His work has helped reduce shoreline erosion and improve water quality in Carteret County.
Dr. Caresse Gerald
Dr. Caresse Gerald is being recognized for her “Impactful Leadership that Inspires the Next Generation of Coastal Environmental Professionals.” As a professor at North Carolina Central University, Gerald has been instrumental in connecting her students to coastal environmental issues and opportunities. She is actively working to build a restoration pipeline for historically underrepresented students in STEM and restoration fields.
Janice Allen
Janice Allen is being recognized for her “Decades of Effective Leadership to Protect Our Coast’s Natural Heritage and Environmental Quality.” As a leader at the North
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed:
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- 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, advance community oyster restoration, and conserve coastal land. These actions contribute to the targets under SDG 14 and SDG 15.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are Target 14.2 (sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems) and Target 15.5 (reduction of habitat degradation and biodiversity loss).
The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. Indicator 14.2.1 (proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches) can be used to measure progress towards Target 14.2. Indicator 15.5.1 (Red List Index) can be used to measure progress towards Target 15.5.
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
---|---|---|
SDG 14: Life Below Water | 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. | Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches. |
SDG 15: Life on Land | 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. | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index. |
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Source: coastalreview.org
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