FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2016
Contact: Martha Wilson
[email protected]
Mark Hudy of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) received the Presidents’ Fishery Conservation Award at the 2016 American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri. AFS President Ron Essig presented the award at the meeting’s Plenary Session. The Presidents’ Fishery Conservation Award is presented in two categories: (1) an AFS individual or unit, or (2) a non-AFS individual or entity. It recognizes a singular accomplishments or long-term contributions that advance aquatic resource conservation at a regional or local level.
Hudy worked at the USFS Washington headquarters for 15 years as the eastern and national aquatic ecologist, and as the national Fisheries Program leader, where he helped lead the agency’s adoption of aquatic organism passage (AOP) assessments, provided training in AOP design, promoted use of large wood in aquatic habitat enhancement, and worked tirelessly to benefit trout and a host of non-game species on National Forest System lands.
While at the USFS and USGS, his work with the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, a 17-state assessment, has influenced the understanding and management of eastern Brook Trout. As a result of his efforts, managers now agree on the overarching impacts to Brook Trout populations and the approaches that are needed to conserve Brook Trout populations across the eastern range. They work together to fill the information gaps in Brook Trout population status, and collaborate on habitat and population restoration projects across the eastern range.
Through the USFS Fish & Aquatic Ecology Unit, Hudy has positively impacted management for many native fish species across dozens of National Forests through his workshops and outreach on restoring stream connectivity through the use of the Stream Simulation Design at road-stream crossings, and the coarse-filter assessment approach to determine ecological connectivity at culverts.
Hudy has served as a mentor, advisor, and inspiration for many fisheries professionals, young and old. His support, encouragement, and intellectual curiosity have helped cultivate and guide the passion of many to pursue excellence in the management of aquatic ecosystems, and this may serve as his most meaningful long-term contribution to aquatic resource conservation.
# # #
Caption: Mark Hudy with his fly fishing gear.
Founded in 1870, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) is the world’s oldest and largest fisheries science society. The mission of AFS is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. With five journals and numerous books and conferences, AFS is the leading source of fisheries science and management information in North America and around the world.