12 MARCH 2022 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WA S .ORG USAS Awards , continued from page 11 organizations and governmental agencies. By the numbers, Dr. Hanson’s achievements are remarkable: over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, 14 book chapters, 120+ scientific abstracts, 280+ scientific/professional presentations, 300+ presentations to industry groups, associations, extension meetings and popular press articles, and 45+ extension workshops. He has been tremendously successful in his grantsmanship, receiving nearly 140 grants worth US$19 million. Additionally, he has had a significant impact on student accomplishment through his career, advising over 25 doctoral and 50 masters students. Dr. Hanson’s accomplishments have previously earned him the Spirit of Sustainability Initiative and President’s Outstanding Collaborative Units awards at Auburn University and the Partnership Award for Innovative Programs and Projects through USDA NIFA for his work with aquaponics in recent years, among a dozen others. As one distinguished industry member wrote, “Dr. Hanson has always satisfied the needs of catfish farmers, both those of independent small farmers, as well as large, complex and fullyintegrated farming operations.” A colleague wrote, “his work with the catfish sector has been instrumental in understanding the industry and helping it survive some difficult challenges.” Another close colleague and former recipient of this award said “I never expected how my working with him would have such a positive impact on my research career. He is a gentleman and a scholar, a person who carries out responsibilities without bias, who is committed to those with whom he works, who wants to make special and lasting contributions to the aquaculture industry.” As a former student said, “Dr. Hanson embodies the spirit of USAS Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award because his commitment to aquaculture is clearly long-term, highly significant and enduring.” — Bill Walton and Allen Pattillo Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award – Michael Masser It is a special honor to recognize an individual’s body of work in US aquaculture with the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes an individual who has made contributions and broad impacts throughout his/her career to aquaculture in the US through research, education, extension and/or industry development. At Aquaculture 2022, the USAS awarded Dr. Michael Masser this prestigious and well-deserved award. Dr. Masser served as Extension Specialist at Kentucky State University and at Auburn University and was Head of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at Texas A&M. Dr. Masser has mentored and advised hundreds if not thousands of farmers, students and industry personnel in fisheries and aquaculture. He has authored over 175 publications and presented over 300 national and international talks on aquaculture, private impoundment management, in-pond raceways and aquatic vegetation management. He has consulted or participated in educational conferences in at least fourteen counties. While at Auburn University, Dr. Masser conducted some of the foundational research on in-pond raceways. These production units have continued to evolve and are now widely utilized, including tens of thousands of units now active in China. Truly his research has had national and international impact. During his time at Texas A&M, Dr. Masser created an online resource known as AquaPlant (aquaplant.tamu.edu), a website that allows individuals to accurately identify aquatic plants and recommends control measures if needed. This tool is used in aquaculture, fisheries and aquatic resource management. In 2021 alone, over 278,000 unique users viewed over 687,000 web pages at the AquaPlant website. Additionally, Dr. Masser led the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center publications project for over five years. These publications are primary extension tools covering the full range of aquaculture subjects that have been useful to industry, academia and extension within the southern US, but have also been widely used nationally and internationally. For over 20 years, he has served on the organizing committees of the Triennial Aquaculture meetings. Finally, Dr. Masser has proudly served as President of the USAS and of WAS. On colleague wrote, “There is no question that Michael meets the criteria of having made broad, significant and sustained impacts on U.S. aquaculture.” Another letter of support noted that “He is an excellent example to our young people who are interested in careers in aquaculture and extension.” Finally, another nominator summarized, “Dr. Masser’s lifelong passion for fishing, managing private waters, and educating the public on aquaculture and aquatic ecology is the very embodiment of this esteemed award.” — Bill Walton and Jim Tidwell Lifetime Achievement Award – DonWebster Don Webster has worked in Maryland supporting aquaculture there for more than 40 years, and in that time has been instrumental in numerous initiatives to support the industry, including helping to draft new legislation with an eye toward revamping the state’s leasing program, developing a network of remote setting system for use by growers and working with collaborators nationwide to truly revolutionize how shellfish are farmed. Don has big plans and a track record of success. His resume is replete with accomplishments and accolades, but you would never know it frommeeting him. One of the letters in support of his nomination described Don this way: “His talents have been recognized with his appointment to many prestigious boards and groups. For example, he has been a member of the Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council since 2005. He has worked often behind the scenes to move the various causes of aquaculture forward without any demand of personal recognition.” Don Webster began his career in 1974 as an Area Agent – Marine Science with the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service after graduating that same year from the University of Rhode Island. Michael Masser DonWebster
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