The GAAFS Fisheries Professional of the Year in Fisheries Management is open to all fisheries professionals working in Georgia whose job entails the management of marine and freshwater finfish and shellfish and their respective fisheries and environments. Aquatic resources management refers to the process of minimizing adverse impacts on aquatic populations within their shared habitat through science-based practices to conserve the aquatic resource.  This award is open to hatchery managers, fisheries technicians, PFA managers, biologists, and other fisheries professionals who have participated in outstanding or unique management or fish culture activities that contributed significantly to fisheries management and/or conservation.

Recognition should be based on fisheries-related work done in the state of Georgia in 2022 but can span more than one year.  You may nominate more than one person and/or you may nominate yourself.  It is not required for the nominator to provide their name. Each candidate is NOT expected to excel on all questions. 

FPY in Fisheries Management Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/GSqewZ7zruE2AzKM8

Due Date: December 30, 2022

The 3 finalists will be asked to answer each of the questions below (350-word limit per question):

  • Explain how you have sought opportunities to grow as a professional, either through participation in continuing education/training programs to improve upon your skills or knowledge, and/or through assumed additional responsibilities beyond those typically assigned to someone in your position.
  • Describe an example of how you have demonstrated leadership in your position (e.g. led a team to complete a project, mentored current/prospective fisheries students or fisheries professionals, or served as an officer or committee chair in the American Fisheries Society or other fisheries-related professional organizations).
  • Provide examples of how/when you participated in education, outreach, or marketing events to educate others about topics germane to marine or freshwater finfish or shellfish and their respective fisheries and environments.
  • Provide examples of how you shared your knowledge to educate fellow co-workers or other outside professionals.
  • Explain and provide examples of how you participated in the development and/or implementation of a new or improved idea (e.g. developed or enhanced sampling gear/methodologies/techniques; developed or implemented innovative management plans/strategies/practices; etc.) that increased efficiency/effectiveness and/or significantly contributed to fisheries management and/or conservation.