Josh Churchman, a commercial fisherman and ocean lover from Bolinas, California, was named national volunteer of the year by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) at a June 9th ceremony in Washington during Capitol Hill Ocean Week.

“Josh is an incredible role model for citizen involvement in NOAA’s work to protect the marine environment,” said Joy Williams, acting president and CEO of the Foundation. “As a commercial fisherman who has been working the Cordell Bank area for 30 years, Josh knows the ocean better than most and is a credible and courageous sanctuary advocate who truly understands the need to conserve our precious ocean resources.”

Josh was a charter member of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) advisory council and has made significant contributions in many areas during his seven years of service. During Josh’s multiple terms on the council he represented the local maritime community and contributed to first review of the CBNMS management plan, which is a major assessment of the sanctuary and blueprint for its future management and protection. Josh was also a primary participant in the sanctuary working group to develop an important socio-economic fishing profile for Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones national marine sanctuaries.

Josh has made major contributions to the sanctuary by offering his expertise in support of sanctuary submersible surveys, helping to locate harmful marine debris in the sanctuary and he provided assistance and the use of his boat for sanctuary efforts to conduct important marine life surveys and an albatross tagging program.

Actively engaged in community activities, Josh writes a column for the local newspaper, and was an integral part of implementing the state’s marine life protection act in northern California. He regularly attends the Pacific Fisheries Management Council meetings trying to promote sustainable fishing practices and reduce by-catch. His conversations with fellow fishermen on the docks about responsible fishing help promote ocean stewardship with this important constituent group.

“Josh is a unique person that loves the ocean and considers taking care of the ocean his responsibility,” said Dan Howard, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary superintendent.” He has been an important contributor to our efforts to protect and preserve the Cordell Bank over the last seven years and this award is a great way to say thanks.”

Josh was just one of the sixteen Volunteer of the Year nominees that were recognized at the NMSF Leadership Awards Dinner. For a complete list of all the volunteers, and to learn about the great work they have done, click here.