Protected Areas Association would like to congratulate Dr. Jon Lien, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 18th Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards on June 6, 2007. During a ceremony at the Humber Valley Resort, Hon. Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation spoke of the dedication of each of the six winners. The environmental awards recognize individuals, groups and organizations who are making an exceptional effort to protect and enhance the environment and quality of life in the province.

The minister recognized Dr. Jon Lien, in particular, on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given for significant lifetime environmental contribution. "Dr. Lien's work with whales and his personal passion for the environment are known far and wide. I extend congratulations to Dr. Lien for admirable work," said Minister Jackman.

Dr. Jon Lien is a world leader in marine mammal ecology and behaviour. His grass-roots approach to solving the global problem of whale entanglement in fishing nets has produced real results both here and off the coasts of other countries. The Whale Release Program solution seems so simple in hindsight - it teaches individual fishers how to avoid trapping (eg. using alarms tied to the nets) and methods for releasing whales that do become entangled. Dr. Lien eventually turned this program's reins over to another environmental winner this year, Wayne Ledwell.

Dr. Lien was the founding member of Protected Areas Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Chair of our first board. Driven by his lifelong passion for conservation and preservation, Dr. Lien has served as scientific advisor to the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council of Canada and helped found the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society's Newfoundland and Labrador chapter which will have a strong marine focus.

Earlier this year, he also received the Tuck-Walters Award, given annually by the Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Today, he also runs an organic farm with his wife, Judy, as part of the Lien Family Farm Co-op.

For more information about the award winners or conservation, please visit www.mmsb.nl.ca.