CARS announces 2015 inductees to “Legends of Canadian Fisheries Science and Management”

Canada has a long and illustrious history in fisheries science and management. Indeed, many scientific discoveries, assessment tools, and even contemporary management strategies can be attributed to Canadian fisheries professionals. The Canadian Aquatic Resources Section of the American Fisheries Society has launched a program called “Legends of Canadian Fisheries Science and Management”. The goal of the program is to recognize the accomplishments of fisheries professionals in Canada. Beyond the recognition to the individual, highlighting their accomplishments will ensure that the next generation of fisheries professionals remain connected to the past. “Legends” will typically have completed (i.e., be retired) or be near the end of their professional career. “Legends” can also be recognized posthumously. Our purpose is not to recognize achievements of early career scientists or singular accomplishments – it is truly to recognize legendary figures in Canadian fisheries science and management. There is no financial compensation associated with the award, however, those recognized will have their profiles added to a website maintained by CARS. For 2015 we received ~30 nominations for the competition and are pleased to recognize 6 remarkable “legends” – individuals that have made notable contributions to fisheries science and management in Canada and beyond. The nominations that were not successful will be carried forward for consideration in future years along with new nominations received (by May 31st each year).

The 2015 inductees were as follows: David Schindler (U Alberta); John Casselman (OMNRF); Helen Battle (Deceased – Western); Harold Harvey (U Toronto); Pierre Legendre (U Montreal); Richard (Dick) Beamish (Emeritus Scientist – DFO).  Biographies for all “Legends” can be viewed at Legends of Canadian Fisheries Science and Management.