Dr. Kruse receiving the Terry Quinn award from Bill Tweit
Dr. Terry Quinn II was a very active member of the North Pacific Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee from 1986 until his death in 2019. Terry was dedicated to the Council process, and valued the complementary roles of the SSC and Council in achieving sustainable management. He was well known for his expertise in population dynamics, knowledge and history of groundfish stock assessments, and his ability to develop practical and useful scientific advice and recommendations to the Council. As a professor at the University of Alaska, he provided guidance and encouragement to many students who have gone on to be successful scientists and fishery managers in the North Pacific.
In Terry’s honor, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council has established the Terry Quinn II Distinguished Scientist Award. This award will be bestowed by the Council on an individual who, over the course of many years, has made outstanding contributions in fishery science or other related fields, and remained dedicated to ensuring that fishery science and management in the North Pacific are the best in the world. Contributions may include: applied scientific research in fisheries, economics, or socio-economics; stock assessment or ecosystem modeling; scientific peer review; analysis of impact assessments affecting sustainability of Alaska fisheries; or other scientific contributions that have enhanced the ability of the Council to manage fisheries effectively through its transparent, science-based process.
At its January 2020 meeting in Seattle, Council Vice Chairman Bill Tweit announced that the Council has selected Dr. Gordon Kruse as the first recipient of this highly prestigious award. Dr. Kruse is a well-known and highly esteemed fishery researcher in Alaska, a professor emeritus and mentor to young professionals, a dedicated and longtime member of the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee, and, as noted by Mr. Tweit, “exceptionally worthy of this special honor.” Mr. Tweit presented Dr. Kruse with the award along with a standing ovation from Council members and all present.
In accepting the award, Dr. Kruse thanked the Council for establishing an award that memorializes Terry Quinn’s contributions to fishery science and management. Dr. Kruse commented, “I am very humbled to receive this award that honors Terry. The Council has been a huge part of my professional career and I always try to make a positive difference in fisheries management. This means the world to me.”
