He is a creative, dynamic, conscientious individual, who has done much to promote conservation in the Gulf of Maine and beyond and is certainly deserving of this award. The Visionary Award recognizes innovation, creativity, and commitment to marine protection and is awarded to individuals and organizations that are making a difference to the health of the Gulf of Maine.
Recipient contributions can be of a scientific, educational, conservation, or policy nature.
Mr. MacKay has contributed to all areas over the past three decades. His contributions include research, practical experience, and consultation on many marine inventories and environmental, ecological, aquaculture, and fisheries studies. Mr. MacKay has written and illustrated numerous publications in these areas. He is an accomplished artist, who currently designs and maintains several web sites, in addition to his other activities. The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is an international body, composed of public and private representatives from Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, and Nova Scotia.