On March 9, Johanna Laderman, director, FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation and research arm of the American Sportfishing Association, was honored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for her commitment to conserving and protecting Americas valuable fisheries resources. Laderman accepted the Fisheries and Habitat Conservation Partner Award during the Services first annual “Partners in Fisheries and Habitat Conservation” awards luncheon held in Washington, D.C.
The award was presented by USFWS Director Dale Hall at the Capitol Hill event celebrating those whose work was exemplary in conserving and restoring wetland ecosystems during 2005, as well as in fostering inclusive partnerships in the spirit of cooperative conservation. The USFWS established the FHS awards to recognize outstanding individuals and Service employees whose work clearly provides significant benefits to the American people through fisheries and habitat conservation. The award honors those who are working to sustain and enhance fish, wildlife, and their habitats, and to engage citizens in the shared stewardship of the nations natural resources. Laderman was one of eight partnership award recipients.
“Keeping our fisheries and waters healthy is priority one for FishAmerica,” said Laderman. “Our partnership with the Fish and Wildlife Service has opened up so many new doors that enable us to maximize our conservation efforts and partnerships within the sportfishing industry. I look forward to many future endeavors through this great partnership.”
Laderman took the helm as director of FAF in 2003 after serving several years as the foundations grants administrator. Since 2003, the foundation has increased the dollar amount in grant funding to over $1 million for projects in all 50 states and Canada. Over the past year, FAF has launched several new initiatives including the FishAmerica Gulf Fund in response to the extreme devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita to the Gulf Coasts sportfish habitat and facilities. The fund was created to help ease the burden of habitat restoration efforts in this area.
