Washington, DC – In recognition of his leadership and longstanding commitment to protecting the nation’s oceans and coastal resources, Maryland Congressman Wayne Gilchrest (R-01) is being honored with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) 2005 Leadership Award during a June 7 ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC. The Award comes on the eve of World Oceans Day, June 8.

“The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation has honored me tremendously with its Leadership Award for my continuing efforts to help improve the health of our oceans,” said Congressman Gilchrest. “I look forward to continuing work with the Foundation, my fellow members of Congress, and other interested groups, as Congress considers the recommendations made by the US Commission on Ocean Policy, the Pew Ocean Commission, and the Administration's outlook in its Ocean Action Report.”

Congressman Gilchrest was presented the Award by internationally acclaimed marine photographer and filmmaker Bob Talbot. “The Chesapeake Bay has infinite demands on its resources and Congressman Gilchrest has been on the front lines in its defense,” said Talbot. “It is important to acknowledge and applaud his valuable role in protecting the Chesapeake Bay and other marine and freshwater habitats.”

Gilchrest serves as Chairman of the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans. The health and protection of the Chesapeake Bay has also been a central issue for Gilchrest, who led the charge for the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act. The Bay is highly vulnerable to exotic species spread by ballast water from ships and recreational boats, and other sources.

“We are honored and delighted to pay tribute to Congressman Gilchrest for all his support and leadership through the years,” said NMSF Executive Director Lori Arguelles. “It is an honor to be able to pay tribute to a public servant who has worked so tirelessly to raise awareness about important ocean and coastal issues, and especially for his work protecting Chesapeake Bay.”

The NMSF Leadership Awards Dinner is held in conjunction with the 2005 Capitol Hill Oceans week, a three-day symposium that features ocean policy experts from government, private industry, nonprofits and academia. Participants look to raise awareness of important ocean and coastal issues among our nation’s leaders and to build bridges among various ocean constituencies. The forum seeks to continue the momentum to reform national ocean policy through the Bush Administration’s U.S. Ocean Action plan, as well as ocean and coastal legislation pending in Congress.

Congressman Gilchrest is being honored along with Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) and Michigan Congressman Vernon Ehlers (R-03), as well as former U.S. Senator and Governor of Connecticut Lowell Weicker (R), who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.