North Carolina Coastal Federation honors 2026 Pelican Award recipients(Photo/NC Coastal Federation)NEWPORT, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Coastal Federation recognized the recipients of its 2026 Pelican Awards during a ceremony held Saturday, Aug. 1. “This year’s Pelican Award recipients represent the very best of coastal stewardship,” said Coastal Federation Executive Director Braxton Davis. Members of the Coastal Federation’s Capital Campaign Cabinet received the Coastal Visionary Award for their leadership in establishing the Coastal Protection and Restoration Center. The Pelican Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, volunteer service and innovation have contributed to coastal conservation efforts throughout North Carolina. The North Carolina Coastal Federation is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting and restoring the state’s coastal resources, including water quality, wetlands, oyster habitats and natural shorelines.