October 24, 2012 — The following was released by the ASMFC:
PHILADELPHIA — Oct. 24, 2012 – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission presented George Lapointe, long-time ASMFC Commissioner an former Maine Commissioner of Marine Resources, the Captain David H. Hart Award, its highest annual award, at the Commission’s 71st Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“George Lapointe is without a doubt a true embodiment of Captain Dave. For more than 30 years he has provided consistent fisheries management leadership at the state, interstate, and federal levels; all the while passionately supporting the Commission and its vision of stock rebuilding and sustainable resource management,” stated Jack Travelstead, Chair of ASMFC’s Award Committee. “He possesses the unique ability to temper the most heated debate with humor and a common sense approach transforming conflict into workable solutions.”
Serving as both an employee at the Commission and as a Commissioner from Maine, Mr. Lapointe has shown an unwavering commitment and dedication to the success of marine fisheries management. In his first Commission position as Council Liaison, he fostered knowledge between the Commission and the Regional Councils. In 1994, Mr. Lapointe returned to the Commission as the ISFMP Director where he served for nearly four years. During that time, he was instrumental in the development of the Interstate Fisheries Management Program Charter and worked with state members, federal partners, and a broad constituency to promote efficiency, and foster outreach and public participation in the Commission’s fisheries management process.
Despite being considered an “outsider,” Mr. Lapointe was appointed as the Commissioner of Maine Department of Marine Resources in 1998. He served as Commissioner for 12 years, directing a critical marine resource agency at one of its most difficult times with a conscience for all those involved. He was so well respected for his understanding of fisheries management and his commitment to his state’s fishing industries, he served at the pleasure of two Governors and was supported by a very active and challenging constituency.
Mr. Lapointe was elected Commission Vice-Chair in 2004 and Chair in 2006, serving three years as Chair. Under his guidance, the Commission embarked on an extensive strategic planning effort, culminating in the development of the 2009-2013 Strategic Plan. The Plan formalized, for the first time, Commissioner values in pursuit of the Commission’s vision and mission, and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its decision making process.
Mr. Lapointe recognizes his success in natural resource management is due to the accumulated knowledge and experience of those he has had the honor of serving with. When veteran Commissioners with over 100 combined years of service retired, he personally oversaw a critical transition in Commission leadership, readying the next generation to take up the charge of pursuing the states’ collective mission of sustainable resource management. He also guided states’ efforts to conserve and rebuild diadromous species, completing the long-awaited American shad benchmark stock assessment and the development and adoption of a new amendment for river herring.
Throughout his career, Mr. Lapointe has strived to be fully informed of the issues (from all perspectives – science, management and user groups) and share that knowledge with next generation of fisheries managers and scientists. He truly embodies the spirit and character of the Captain David H. Hart Award. The Commission instituted the Award in 1991 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding efforts to improve Atlantic coast marine fisheries. The award is named for one of the Commission’s longest serving members, who dedicated himself to the advancement and protection of marine fishery resources.