On October 5, 2002 at the MRC Annual Membership meeting, the membership of the MRC awarded The Stan Blum Award for Conservation to Jim Swann, the Albert Tuttle Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Indian River Lagoon to Dave Botto. The Paul Kroegel Award for Outstanding Service to the Indian River Lagoon by a Government Employee to Gene Rauth. Outstanding Service to the Indian River Lagoon by an Elected Official went to Brevard County Commissioner Nancy Higgs. The Water Quality Monitor of the Year went to Jane McLaughlin (see volunteer spotlight). The Pepper Buster of the year went to Lisa Allgeyer for her dedication to removing invasive species.

The Paul Kroegel Award for Outstanding Service to the Indian River Lagoon by a Government Employee The Award was presented to Gene Rauth, Assistant Utility Director of the South Martin Regional Utility by Jim Egan, Executive Director of MRC.