May 6, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Annual Awards of Excellence, recognizing outstanding contributions to the management, policy development, enforcement, and public understanding of Atlantic coastal fisheries. This year’s honorees represent excellence across four key areas: fisheries management and policy, legislative leadership, outreach, and law enforcement.
“These award recipients exemplify the dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit necessary to sustain our nation’s marine resources,” said ASMFC Chair Daniel McKiernan of Massachusetts. “Their work strengthens not only their respective fields, but also the entire interstate fisheries management process.”
Management & Policy Award
John Clark — Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife (Retired)
John Clark is honored for a distinguished career in fisheries management and policy, marked by more than a decade of service as Delaware’s Administrative Commissioner to ASMFC. Since 2011, he has played a central role in guiding the Commission’s work on complex and often contentious fisheries issues.
Mr. Clark has chaired several key management boards, including those overseeing horseshoe crab, Atlantic menhaden, and American eel fisheries. He is widely respected for his fairness, efficiency, and ability to navigate technical and policy challenges while fostering productive dialogue among diverse stakeholders.
His contributions to the development and application of innovative management tools, such as the horseshoe crab Adaptive Resource Management Framework model, have supported the recovery of important species and provided benefits across ecological, commercial, and biomedical sectors.
Prior to his administrative role, Mr. Clark built a strong foundation as a field researcher and scientist, contributing significantly to the understanding of fisheries and invertebrate ecology in Delaware waters.
His career reflects a rare combination of scientific expertise, policy leadership, and dedication to public service.
Congressional & Legislative Contributions Award
Alex Swanson — Legislative Assistant, Office of U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen
Alex Swanson is honored for her exceptional contributions to advancing fisheries policy and securing critical federal support for ASMFC priorities. As a Legislative Assistant, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of coastal and marine issues, as well as the complex intersection of science, policy, and funding.
In fiscal year 2026, under a highly constrained budget environment, Ms. Swanson played a leading role in securing funding for key initiatives, including the Chesapeake Bay menhaden study and an industry-based trawl survey pilot program. These efforts will help address longstanding scientific questions, improve data collection, and support more effective fisheries management decisions.
Ms. Swanson’s experience working in both New England and Mid-Atlantic congressional offices has provided her with a broad perspective on interstate fisheries challenges. Her ability to translate technical needs into actionable legislative outcomes has made her an invaluable partner to ASMFC and its stakeholders.
Her leadership ensures that the needs of coastal communities, fisheries managers, and the scientific community are effectively represented at the federal level.
Outreach & Advisory Award
Francis “Fran” McParland — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Francis “Fran” McParland is recognized for his innovative and impactful approach to fisheries outreach and public engagement. His work has significantly enhanced public understanding of marine resource
management across New York’s diverse marine environments, from Long Island Sound to the Atlantic Ocean and the Hudson River.
Through the development of creative, science-based communication strategies—including social media outreach and in-person engagement—Mr. McParland has successfully translated complex regulatory and scientific concepts into accessible and engaging messaging. His efforts have strengthened public trust in fisheries management and increased awareness of conservation priorities.
Mr. McParland regularly engages a wide range of stakeholders, including recreational and commercial fishing communities, educators, and youth groups. He has also organized and participated in hands-on events such as beach cleanups and environmental awareness initiatives, fostering a culture of stewardship and community involvement.
In addition to his outreach work, he has demonstrated leadership within the professional community, including serving as President of the New York Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. His contributions have had a lasting impact on both public engagement and professional collaboration in fisheries management.
Law Enforcement Award
Corporal Vincent “Vinny” Artrip — Maryland Natural Resources Police
Corporal Vincent “Vinny” Artrip is recognized for his exceptional leadership and effectiveness in fisheries law enforcement along Maryland’s Atlantic coast. Assigned to one of the region’s most active coastal districts, Corporal Artrip has demonstrated extensive expertise in both recreational and commercial fisheries enforcement, handling complex cases involving species managed under overlapping state and federal regulations.
Over the past year, his enforcement efforts have addressed violations involving key Atlantic species such as striped bass, black sea bass, flounder, tautog, as well as federally managed pelagic species including bluefin tuna and billfish. His work requires a high level of technical knowledge and the ability to navigate evolving regulatory frameworks.
A deputized officer under the Joint Enforcement Agreement program, Corporal Artrip works closely with NOAA Fisheries and federal enforcement partners to ensure alignment with national fisheries management objectives. He also maintains strong working relationships with neighboring state agencies, supporting coordinated enforcement efforts across jurisdictional boundaries.
In addition to his operational work, Corporal Artrip has contributed to regulatory development discussions, assisted with the transition to federal reporting systems for highly migratory species, and delivered training to fellow officers and partner agencies. His efforts have enhanced both compliance and interagency coordination, making a lasting impact on fisheries enforcement in the region.
About the ASMFC
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is a cooperative interstate fisheries management agency dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of Atlantic coastal fishery resources. Through collaboration among its member states, the Commission develops and implements management programs that balance ecological sustainability with the economic needs of coastal communities.