Professional Awards

The Association recognizes individuals, programs, and organizations each year who make significant contributions to fish and wildlife conservation in the Southeast. Here is a list of awards that SEAFWA issues annually.
View all award recipients by year

Clarence W. Watson Award

The C.W. Watson Award is the most prestigious award given in the southeast and is presented to the career individual who, in the opinion of the C.W. Watson Award Committee, has made the greatest contribution to wildlife or fish conservation during the previous year or years. 

Consideration includes research, administration, law enforcement, information and education, wildlife management, fish management, and includes teachers,...

Diversity and Inclusion Awards

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) announces the Annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards program for 2021. The Diversity and Inclusion Awards recognize winning SEAFWA member agencies for their strong commitment to the recruitment, retention, and promotion of a diverse workforce. Agencies can nominate a team focusing on these goals or it can be submitted as an individual nomination.

The SEAFWA Minorities in Natural Resources Conservation Committee (MINRC) has established the Diversity and Inclusion Award program to...

Fisheries Biologist of the Year

The Association’s Biologist of the Year Awards are presented to two career biologists of state wildlife agencies, one each in the categories of wildlife and fisheries, who in the opinion of the SEAFWA Awards Committee have made outstanding contributions toward wildlife/fisheries conservation. Each award is presented during the awards banquet at the Association’s annual conference.

SEAFWA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

The Officer of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual who excels in three main areas:

Team Work and Public Outreach - The honoree is engaged with the public and seeks opportunities to educate and inform.  Excellence and Innovation - The honoree demonstrates the willingness to go beyond the call of duty by doing more than others expect, and continually seeks to improve efficiency on the job.  Attitude and Leadership - The honoree portrays a contagious, positive perspective, and demonstrates standards of excellence and professionalism.

Wildlife Biologist of the Year

The Association’s Biologist of the Year Awards are presented to two career biologists of state wildlife agencies, one each in the categories of wildlife and fisheries, who in the opinion of the SEAFWA Awards Committee have made outstanding contributions toward wildlife/fisheries conservation. Each award is presented during the awards banquet at the Association’s annual conference.