
Each year we select one person to be recognized as our sanctuary Volunteer of the Year. This is our way of acknowledging the efforts of individuals who donate time and energy to help us meet our goals.
The selected individual is also in the running for National Marine Sanctuaries Volunteer of the Year in competition with volunteers from the other 14 sites in the National Marine Sanctuary System.
2020 Volunteer of the Year
Fernando Calderón Gutiérrez
Galveston, TX
Fernando Calderón Gutiérrez is an extremely personable and enthusiastic volunteer, who is a pleasure to work with. He was one of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary's first volunteer divers, attending the inaugural field training course in 2018 (far right in photo above).
As a volunteer NOAA diver, Fernando has participated in water quality and biological monitoring cruises to maintain instrumentation and collect coral reef data. He has also provided invaluable deck support to ensure the safety of the dive team. He is always keen to learn more, and is willing and enthusiastic to help, often at very short notice.

Fernando is currently a graduate student at Texas A&M University at Galveston, balancing course work, his own research, and teaching assistantships with volunteering for the sanctuary. In addition to studying to receive his PhD, he volunteers for many multi-day research cruises, training support, and education/outreach events.
Fernando is an outstanding volunteer due to his dedication and enthusiasm. He is a role model to students at Texas A&M University at Galveston and has become someone the sanctuary depends upon to achieve their mission.

Previous Volunteers of the Year
Click on the links below to learn about previous Volunteers of the Year and their contributions.
2019 Jake Emmert
2018 Nicole Morgan
2017 Andrea Stromeyer
2016 Scott Hickman
2015 Jesse Cancelmo
2014 Matt Stout
2013 Tom Oglin
2012 Clint Moore
2011 Kevin Buch
2010 Jacqueline Stanley
2009 George Hanks
2008 Tim Gibson
2007 Pete Bryant
2006 Haidee Williams
2005 Joyce & Frank Burek