Ambassador Spotlight
Making a Difference Awards
In the news these days, it’s seldom we hear about people committing good acts. Giving back. Helping others. Yet, even though we rarely hear about the good deeds people do, plenty of folks out there are doing just that in many different ways.
With this in mind, I wanted to find a way to acknowledge some of those who have made or are making a positive difference to saltwater recreational fishing. The result: Sport Fishing’s Making a Difference Awards.
There is no specific list of requirements one must meet to be considered. Very simply, as noted above, it’s about making a positive difference to our sport, somehow significantly impacting recreational fishing. Just a partial list of the many ways an individual might do this could include his or her impact on:
- fisheries resource conservation
- fisheries management
- access to public waters
- development of new fishing grounds
- fish-habitat protection
- public education on fishery matters
- awareness of/attitude toward recreational fishing
- technological/gear innovation
- scientific research
- social altruism
- attracting new participants to the sport
Again, keep in mind that this is by no means an inclusive list.
We want to show that good things are happening in saltwater fishing. Proving this is a primary goal of the Making a Difference Awards — as is rewarding and encouraging individuals and their programs or activities that benefit those of us involved in this sport and industry.
Toward that end, I encourage — and challenge — you to think of someone you know who has made a valuable contribution to saltwater angling, locally, regionally or nationally. Then visit www.sportfishingmag.com/makingadifference and take a few minutes to fill out the straightforward nomination form.
A panel of judges will choose five finalists next spring. These finalists will be announced in July at the 2011 ICAST tackle trade show in Las Vegas, in Sport Fishing magazine, on sportfishingmag.com, and no doubt, in other media. Each will receive a special King Sailfish Mounts desktop miniature mount with engraved plaque and an engraved, top-shelf Reactor watch.
We hope to post all nominees, with their permission, on the Making a Difference website. That way, you can see who’s been nominated and for doing what.
Please consider the appeal and challenge to nominate candidates you feel have been doing positive things for recreational fishing. The tag line for this awards campaign says it all: Help Sport Fishing make a difference by recognizing those who do!
-Doug Olander
Editor in Chief
Sport Fishing Magazine
