PORT CLYDE — Jonathan Labaree, Chief Community Officer at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, is the recipient of the 2026 Phyllis Wyeth Visionary Award, according to Herring Gut Coastal Science Center, in a news release. Joshua Stoll, associate professor in the University of Maine School of Marine Sciences, was named runner-up, and Alexandria Brasili, Programmatic and Research Director at Maine Math and Science Alliance, received honorable mention. Awards were presented at Herring Gut’s annual summer fundraiser on August 5, 2026,

The Phyllis Wyeth Visionary Award recognizes individuals whose contributions to aquatic science and marine trades exemplify Herring Gut Coastal Science Center’s vision and the legacy of its founder, Phyllis Wyeth. Wyeth founded Herring Gut Learning Center in 1999 with the goal of teaching local children about aquaculture and marine conservation while helping preserve Maine’s traditional fishing communities. In 2002, she received NOAA Fisheries’ Environmental Hero Award for her work. The organization was renamed Herring Gut Coastal Science Center in 2023.

2026 Phyllis Wyeth Visionary Award Recipient: Jonathan Labaree

Labaree has been an innovative leader in conservation, education and the advancement of Maine’s aquatic environment, marine-related coastal trades and the “blue economy” for decades. His lifelong connection to Vinalhaven instilled a deep love of Maine’s coast and a commitment to the people and communities that depend upon the Gulf of Maine for their livelihoods.

Labaree joined GMRI in 2009 after more than a decade with Maine Coast Heritage Trust. At GMRI, he oversees programs in Community Climate Action, Fisheries Engagement, Indigenous Partnerships, Marine Resources Education and Working Waterfronts.

Among his significant accomplishments was working alongside New England’s groundfish industry during the introduction of the “sector system” in federal fisheries management. Labaree worked collaboratively with fishermen, conservationists and fisheries managers to put the then-new system into practice, helping balance conservation and economic goals while preserving local ownership and control within the fishing industry. More recently, he has been a leader in efforts to preserve Maine’s working waterfront, raising funds and bringing partners together to identify innovative investment models.

“In all of Jonathan's work, he blends a vision for economic, community, and environmental impact with a patient, people-oriented approach that allows him to accomplish big results. I couldn't be prouder to call him a colleague,” said Glenn Prickett, President/CEO of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Labaree said receiving an award honoring Phyllis Wyeth is particularly meaningful.

“It is such an honor to receive this award and join the ranks of true visionaries who have received it in prior years. That list reads as a who’s-who of people I admire and who embody the spirit and service of Phyllis herself.”

Runner-Up: Joshua Stoll

Joshua Stoll, associate professor in the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine, was selected as the 2026 runner-up. His research focuses on coastal community resilience, ocean governance, fisheries policy and food systems.

Stoll is also co-founder of the Local Catch Network and has worked for more than a decade to elevate the role of seafood in local and regional food systems. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Bates College, a master’s degree in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Maine. Prior to returning to Maine, he was an early career research fellow in the Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere Program at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Sweden.

Honorable Mention: Alexandria Brasili

Alexandria Brasili, Programmatic and Research Director at Maine Math and Science Alliance, received honorable mention for her commitment to STEM and marine science education.

Brasili has been with Maine Math and Science Alliance since 2017. Earlier in her career, she spent two years as an Island Fellow through the Island Institute and five years as a Marine Science and Aquaculture educator at Herring Gut in Port Clyde. While at Herring Gut, she created and taught educational programs in partnership with public school teachers and developed the First Work Experience, a summer work program for young teens.

Her work reflects the importance of partnerships among schools, nonprofit organizations and community resources in creating high-quality STEM educational opportunities for young people.

Founded by Phyllis Wyeth in 1999, Herring Gut Coastal Science Center educates students and communities about the connections between the ocean, inland waters, and economy of Maine. From its campus in Port Clyde, Herring Gut carries forward Wyeth’s commitment to marine conservation, education and Maine’s coastal communities.