FWC scientist bags Biologist of the Year award

FWC scientist bags Biologist of the Year award

For the second year in a row, the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has named a scientist from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) as its Fisheries Biologist of the Year. John Hunt bagged the honor this year; Wesley Porak was last year’s winner.

FWC lobster biologist John Hunt, shown here conducting a lobster study in St. Croix, earned the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Fisheries Biologist of the Year Award at the association’s annual conference in Corpus Christi, Tex. (FWC photo by Rod Bertelsen)

Hunt received the award at this year’s annual meeting in Corpus Christi, for his work as a program administrator and biologist at the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), South Florida Regional Laboratory in Marathon.

For nearly three decades, Hunt has dedicated himself to numerous conservation and scientific efforts. Hunt was among the technical leaders ultimately responsible for establishment of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Tortugas Ecological Reserve and the recently established Dry Tortugas National Park, Research Natural Area.

Hunt is a world-renowned lobster biologist. He helped create the scientific foundation for management of the multi-million-dollar spiny lobster fishery in Florida. Hunt’s contributions to understanding lobster biology include increasing knowledge on the ecological factors that control the survival and abundance of small juvenile lobsters.

He used DNA analysis to determine the role different regions of the Caribbean play in providing new lobster larvae to the Florida spiny lobster population.

"I am truly honored to have received the recognition of my peers from the 17 conservation agencies that constitute the association," said Hunt. "It was a very special night."

The association is composed of state agencies responsible for management and protection of the fish and wildlife resources from 15 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

FWRI conducts applied research and provides scientific information used to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s wildlife and its aquatic and marine resources. To learn more about FWRI’s research programs, visit http://research.MyFWC.com.