🗳️ Cast Your Vote! | AIE Awards

Farmer of the Year

Dewey Houck

“Dewey runs Cypress Point Oyster Company. Dewey actively engages in research by allowing academics to visit the farm for research/data collection and participates in conversations about issues plaguing oyster farmers like SUMS events. Dewey and his wife Jody care about the oyster industry as a whole and other farmers in their area, which is evident by the farming co-op, of which he is one of the anchors.”

Public Service Award

Sarah Harrington

“Nominating Sarah Harrington for the public service award as she actively learns about various types of aquaculture, promotes research, facilitates conversations about aquaculture between the private and public sectors. Additionally, Sarah identifies the needs of aquaculture businesses, works to actively recruit aquaculture businesses to Florida, specifically Collier County, and reaches out to existing businesses to engage in meaningful dialogue about business needs for long term sustainability, economic development, and education.”

Jimmy Avery

“I have been fortunate to be able to work for Extension for 40 years. I have worked with producers of catfish, baitfish, crawfish, alligators, turtles and a few other species. It has been so rewarding to assist people who have such a passion for producing these products and being able to work closely with my research and Extension counterparts.”

Angelo San Pablo

“There is an increasing level of interest and curiosity about the social, economic, and ecological benefits aquaculture can provide – especially in the face of the climate crisis… Winning the AIE travel award will give me the opportunity to effectively advocate for the expansion of responsible aquaculture in the U.S. by meeting more industry stakeholders and learning about the newest updates and innovations.”