GLOUCESTER ? The Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership (MFP) recently presented one of its founders, John Moynihan, with its highest honor of the Wheelhouse Award.

Having worked previously as director of development at the Archdiocese of Boston Planning Office for Urban Affairs, Moynihan served as the link between the archdiocese and the local fishing community. As a member of the MFP’s executive committee, his experience was instrumental in bringing together a cohesive and effective association. In this position he made numerous contributions to help the fishing industry maintain its presence on the local waterfronts.

“Moynihan’s tireless commitment to fishing families is always free of any political ambition and sets the gold standard for the Wheelhouse Award,” said David Bergeron, MFP executive director. “This award recognizes his achievements done because they simply were the right thing to do, and they made a difference.”

While on the executive committee of the MFP, Moynihan helped facilitate a partnership with Caritas Christi that resulted in the establishment of the Fishing Partnership Health Plan in 1997. Today, this plan provides affordable healthcare coverage to more than 2,000 members of the local fishing community. He played a key role in securing $3.4 million in state appropriations for the construction of the Cardinal Medeiros dock in South Boston which provides a permanent home for 30 boats of the Boston Harbor Lobstermen’s Cooperative. Moynihan also intervened with MassPort on behalf of the Boston Fish Pier to assemble financing that led to the construction of a state-of-the art fish processing and handling facility on the state fish pier in Gloucester.

Moynihan was honored with the Wheelhouse Award June 23 at the MFP’s 2007 annual meeting and brunch at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Plymouth.