American Fisheries Society: "Through the Commission’s efforts,
the Great Lakes fishery resource prevails"

Ann Arbor, MI—The American Fisheries Society (AFS) recently presented the prestigious William E. Ricker Resource Conservation Award to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission for outstanding achievements in coordinating the conservation and management of Great Lakes fishery resources. In presenting this award, AFS lauded the Commission for serving as "a model for large-scale conservation and rehabilitation of fisheries ecosystems through its accomplishments in managing sea lamprey, coordinating fishery research and management, and providing the overarching umbrella which keeps multiple jurisdictions working together toward shared goals." Commissioner Roy Stein accepted the Ricker award during AFS’ recent annual meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"Many of the Commission’s accomplishments deserve special recognition by AFS," the Society noted. "Through facilitating the [Joint Strategic Plan for Management of Great Lakes Fisheries], the Commission provides guidance at the policy level and a neutral, resource-oriented forum in which mutually beneficial programs could be developed. The Commission’s sponsorship of sea lamprey control research has resulted in multiple methods of control and the development of an integrated management program that will reduce our dependence on lampricides. Many of us have also benefited from the Commission’s excellent series of technical reports, publications, and symposia . . . . Through the Commission’s efforts, the Great Lakes fishery resource prevails."

"The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is profoundly gratified to be recognized by our peers in the American Fisheries Society," said Commissioner Roy Stein of Ohio State University. "We are proud of our work in advancing science, rehabilitating the Great Lakes fishery, and protecting the resource for future generations. Being recognized by fellow scientists and resource managers is an extremely high honor."

Commission Chairman Burton Ayles, Former Regional Director General for Fisheries and Oceans Canada, added: "The Commission is very proud of its role in Great Lakes fishery management. The William Ricker Award not only acknowledges the Commission’s particular contributions to the health of the Great Lakes fishery, but it also recognizes our role in cooperating with the larger management community. The Commission views the Ricker award as a reminder that resource management requires continual hard work and adherence to sound science."

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is an international organization established by the governments of the United States and Canada through the 1955 Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries. The Commission has the responsibility to coordinate fisheries research, control sea lampreys, and facilitate implementation of the Joint Strategic Plan for Management of Great Lakes Fisheries. For more information about the Commission and its programs, visit www.glfc.org on the Internet.

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