The GAAFS Fisheries Professional of the Year in Science and Research is open to all fisheries professionals working in Georgia whose job entails the conservation and research of marine and freshwater finfish and shellfish and their respective fisheries and environments. Fisheries science includes many areas of research, such as studying aquatic populations, habitats, ecological health, biodiversity, physiology, toxicology, socioeconomic, and fisheries management.  This award is open to biologists, professors, fisheries technicians, and other fisheries professionals whose role is in a research project or program that promotes the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic systems.

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 Science and Research Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/ntw59X3NcDrw2nHe6

Due Date: December 30, 2022

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

  • Explain how you sought opportunities to grow as a professional, either through the development of innovative management programs, research activities, or the development and/or implementation of a new or improved idea that significantly affects the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems on a regional or statewide level.
  • Describe an example of how you have demonstrated leadership in your position either through mentoring, coordinating public outreach programs, leading a research project, coordinating with different agencies/universities, or serving as an officer or committee chair in the American Fisheries Society or other fisheries-related professional organizations. 
  • Provide examples of how your research or program contributes to the understanding of a biological problem, solving a resource problem, or contributes significantly to fisheries education.
  • Describe your role in a fisheries research project or program (e.g. directing the project, establishing the project or program, analyzing data, or conceiving the project or program).
  • Provide examples of when you shared your knowledge of fisheries science to educate fellow co-workers or other outside professionals (e.g. publication of a peer-reviewed journal article, facilitated training workshop, professional presentation at a conference, extension publication, book, or book chapter).