The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach is accepting nominations for the 2011 Go Blue Awards.

The awards are given annually to three individuals and a business that contribute to and promote marine conservation. Nominations can be made through Aug. 15. A downloadable application is available at www.marinelife.org/bluefriends.

All nominations will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and finalists will be announced Sept. 8 at a Go Blue Awards kick-off event. Winners in each category will be announced Oct. 21 at the third-annual Go Blue Awards Luncheon.

Nominations for the Go Blue Awards are based on several criteria. The Eleanor Fletcher Award will recognize someone who has exemplified a lifelong commitment to marine conservation and education, similar to Eleanor Fletcher, founder of the center. The Blue Ambassador of the Year Award will recognize someone who has made contributions to marine conservation and education through volunteer activities, and the Blue Friend of the Year Award will recognize someone who has made the same contributions through work-related activities.

The Blue Business of the Year Award will recognize a local company.

Previous Go Blue Award recipients include Nathaniel Reed, Everglades Foundation; Donald Voss, Marine Cleanup Initiative; Edith Widder, Ocean Research & Conservation Association; Florida Power & Light Company; Gary Adkison, U.S. Shark Foundation; International Game Fish Association; Michael Bresette, Inwater Research; and Radio Green Earth.

Edited by Amy Woods

Brittany Brett created Loggerhead Marinelife Center's official TurtleFest 2011 poster.