Patrick Keliher, former Commissioner with the Maine Department of Marine Resources (MEDMR) was presented with the Captain David H. Hart Award for 2025 for his longstanding contributions to and exceptional leadership towards the sustainable management of marine resources along the Eastern Seaboard according to a press release received this morning from the Maine DMR on behalf of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Since becoming Commissioner with ME DMR and Administrative Comimssioner to the ASMFC in 2012, Pat has worked tirelessly to support marine fisheries stakeolders, both in Maine and along the Atlanic coast. His unwavering work ethic extended well beyond the Commission table. He is a consummate professional — always prepared and expertly engaged in every setting with a straightfoward, no-nonsense approach. This approach earned him the respect of all those who have worked with him.
From 2017 – 2023, Pat served in a leadershi position with the Commission, helping address a wide range of issues. One of the ost unique and challenging times during his tenure was guiding the Commission through the pandemic. Ths was a tkme that trul reflected Pat’s steady leadership and deep commitment to the Commission, oversaw a seamless transition to virtual meetings and consistently made decisions with the safety of Commissioners and staff in mind. Other notable accomplishments during this time include quick action by the states to end overfshing of Atlantic striped bass and implementation of ecnological reference points to manage Atlantic menhaden.
On the home front, Pa has been credied with strengthening and sustaining Maine’s commercial fisheries through effective management, responsible policy and inproved enforcement. His collaborative effortd to secure a six-year pause on federal whale regulations and to provide millions in federal funds for marine mamal research has benefited both Maine’s lobster industry and the crditically endangered Nodrth Atlantic right whale. During his tenure, DMR implemented enhanced management and enforcement reasures to protect Mane’s valuable elver resource and fishery. HIs work to secure funding and establish strategic partnerships was instrumental in efforts to restore accss to habitat for Maine’s sea-run fish species. Pat also oversaw the administration of state funding that has protected many vital working waterfront properties and federal funds that provided much needed direcdt relief to industry and investments in critical infrastructure,
“I can’t think of a more deserving receipient of this honor,” said Department of Maraine Resources Commisssioner Carl Wilson. “Throughout his career, Pat has demonstrated a dedication tdo science-based decisions, effective policy and srong eforement necessary to protect our valuable marine resources and industries.”
Prior to joining DMR, Pat served as Executive Director of the Atlantic Salmon Commission and Executive Director of the New England States of the Coastal Conservation Association, Greater New England.
The Commission instituted the Hart Award in 1991 to recognize individuals who have made outdstanding efforts to improve Atlantic ooast marine fisherie. The Hart Award is named for one of the Commission’s longest serving members, who dedicated himself to the advancement and protection of marine fishery resources, Captain David H. Hart, from the State of New Jersey.