Dewey Beach, Delaware – Annie Roddenberry, Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Biologist with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership’s (ACFHP) prestigious Melissa Laser Fish Habitat Conservation Award. The award was presented on October 27, 2025, at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 83rd Annual Meeting.
From left: Jessica Coakley, Simen Kaalstad, Jeff Beal, Annie Roddenberry, Kent Smith
Annie was recognized for her outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving habitat for native fish and wildlife along Florida’s Atlantic coast. Throughout her career, from her early work at the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach to her current role with FWC, she has led transformative habitat restoration projects that benefit coastal ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.
Her accomplishments include advancing seagrass restoration and water quality improvements in the Indian River Lagoon, implementing living shoreline and wetland restoration projects, and supporting spring bank stabilization in central Florida. Annie recently chaired the Northeast Estuarine Restoration Team Steering Committee, and has served as project manager on multi-year, multi-agency restoration initiatives such as the North Peninsula State Park Wetland Restoration Project. She is known not only for her technical expertise, but also for her collaborative spirit and ability to inspire partners, volunteers, and community members.
“Annie is a dedicated and highly effective leader whose passion for habitat conservation shines through every project she takes on,” said members of the ACFHP Steering Committee. “Her work has delivered lasting benefits for coastal habitats and fisheries, and we are thrilled to recognize her achievements.”
The Melissa Laser Fish Habitat Conservation Award honors the legacy of Dr. Melissa Laser, a founding ACFHP Steering Committee member and a tireless advocate for restoring Atlantic coastal habitats. Her work included coordinating fish passage projects across the North Atlantic, managing ESA-related actions for Atlantic salmon, and leading habitat research and restoration in Maine’s Sea Run Fisheries Program. The award celebrates individuals who exemplify Melissa’s exceptional commitment to science-based conservation and community-driven restoration.
More information about the Melissa Laser Award can be found at:
https://www.atlanticfishhabitat.org/melissa-laser-fish-habitat-conservation-award/