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) established the annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards program in 2021 and it is implemented by the SEAFWA Minorities in Natural Resources Conservation Committee (MINRC) to recognize the achievements of SEAFWA member agencies. The Diversity and Inclusion Awards recognize agencies' strong commitment to recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse workforce. Agencies can nominate a team focusing on these goals or it can be submitted as an individual nomination.
The SEAFWA...
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.
Outstanding Technical Papers
Below are the fisheries and wildlife technical papers selected as outstanding by a panel of judges at each 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.State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Member agency states individually select a Law Enforcement Officer of the Year to honor. Officers who are recognized by their respective states are then be considered for the SEAFWA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.
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.