Dr. William "Bill" Walton spent his career building the oyster aquaculture industry from the ground up across the United States. This includes research and extension positions across the northeast (while moonlighting as an oyster farmer), promotion from Assistant Professor to Director at the Auburn University Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and most recently Acuff Professor and Shellfish Aquaculture Program Coordinator at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. However, one of his greatest achievements is the creation of Oyster South, a non-profit organization that brings together industry, academia, extension agents, regulators, chefs, and just about anyone that is committed to the well-being of the southern oyster.

Awarded nearly 9 million in grant funds, producers and their interests are at the forefront of Dr. Walton's mind, and their questions and farm-specific challenges guide his research. This work includes applied research for aquaculturists, processors, retailers, restaurants, chefs and servers because he understands that in order for the farmers to be successful so do all of these others part of the industry. Through this truly holistic approach, Dr. Walton supports the industry through applied research, extension, and, frankly, any way that he can.

Notably, Dr. Walton pioneered the off-bottom oyster industry in the Gulf of Mexico and was a key force shaping the development and expansion of the industry. He helped create a community of people across the south and beyond, that lean on each other for information, resources, and friendship. With a more recent focus on the Mid-Atlantic region, a more mature industry, he pivoted to meet the unique challenges and needs of this region. This includes emerging as the leader of efforts to coordinate engagement between industry  and the research community to better understand, and ultimately manage, the significant  emerging issue of unusual, unexplained oyster mortality on farms spanning the Atlantic and  Gulf states.

Dr. Walton won 17 professional awards, taught 11 courses, published over 65 publications and books, mentored 22 graduate students, given over 150 oral presentations, and moderated or chaired over 20 sessions. He also served as USAS President, expertly leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of publications authored, number of graduate students mentored, and number of grant dollars obtained attests to his impact. However, the best metrics to his professional achievements are the number of oyster farms that now exist along the Gulf coast, number of jobs created and supported, and number of lives touched. 

His dedication to this profession is unparalleled, and the folks that have benefited from his work are certainly not limited to those that know him personally. As one reference put it, “he is simply the most influential important researcher working in practical shellfish aquaculture science today”. Through his persistence and relentless effort, he has created lifetime opportunities for countless people.

Dr. Rebecca Lochmann has been a driving force at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, beginning as an Assistant Professor and ascending to the role of Professor, Department Chair, and Center Director.  Her work on nutrition and alternative feeds for numerous important aquaculture species, especially baitfish and catfish, has generated more than 3.7 million in extramural funding, resulted in over 80 peer-reviewed publications, and numerous extension publications. She has directly mentored dozens of undergraduate students, 16 graduate students, and 4 post-doctoral scientists and serve as a leading advocate for women and other underrepresented groups in aquaculture.

Dr. Lochmann has practiced a career of professional service. Particularly noteworthy contributions include serving as President of both USAS and WAS, as well as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Central Arkansas Chapter of Sigma Xi.  She regularly presents her work to industry organizations such as the Catfish Farmers of Arkansas and the Arkansas Bait and Ornamental Fish Growers Association and has participated in international outreach programs in Brazil, Cuba, Ghana, Indonesia, Panama, Portugal, Peru, and Tanzania. She is known for her generosity as a collaborator and seemingly boundless energy as a teacher, advisor, administrator, researcher, and colleague.

Dr. Kathleen Hartman has used her extensive knowledge and expertise to strengthen USDA APHIS Veterinary Services for over 20 years. She spent her career helping establish a direct relationship between industry stakeholders and the government by developing critical resources such as the Comprehensive Aquaculture Program Standards (CAHPS) program and the National Aquaculture Health Plan and Standards.

Dr. Hartman has served on multiple American Fisheries Society – Fish Health Section committees and is a trusted and active advisor on aquatic animal health to the National Aquaculture Association. She has been involved in WAS and USAS since 1999, serving as President on the USAS Board and Secretary on the WAS board. Among her many accomplishments during her time on the Board, she increased the Society’s support for students and established the Douglas Drennan Industry Award. Her involvement did not end with the end of her terms and she still remains active on many Society committees.

Forrest Wynne graduated with a Master of Science degree from Mississippi State University in 1987. In addition to being an Extension Specialist at Kentucky State University, he currently Co-Chairs the National Aquaculture Extension Steering Committee and is the Southern Regional Aquaculture Technical Committee Extension representative for Kentucky. In addition, he has co-chaired four National Aquaculture Extension Conferences over the years. 

Dana Morse graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and is the Senior Extension Program Manager and the Aquaculture Lead for the Maine Sea Grant Program and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Most of his work has centered on shellfish aquaculture, but also includes seaweeds and American eel. He has been active in the intersection between commercial fishing and aquaculture, and in developing approaches that maximize the integration of these industries, towards the diversification of options for fishermen and the continued prosperity of Maine coastal communities. 

Some people seem to have a calling and David Cline is one of those people. He is one of the most passionate, animated, and dedicated figures in aquaculture extension, specifically aquaculture education. Dave curates arguably the largest aquaculture video resource library on the internet. In fact, there is a good chance that if you have done a Google search for aquaculture educational resources anytime in the last decade or two you have found some of Dave’s work. Moreover, he has led the USAS webinar series since 2016, bringing science-based aquaculture research and education to thousands of people around the world at no cost, evidence of his fitness to receive the USAS Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding personal contributions to the USAS and/or the US aquaculture industry. The award emphasizes significant leadership and overall impact in research, education, extension or industry development in aquaculture.

One of the nominating letters sums up Dave’s body of work very well: “Dave has been actively involved in the commercial and educational sectors of aquaculture for over 25 years. Currently, Dave is an Associate Extension Professor at Auburn University, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Science, where he specializes in aquaculture education, freshwater fish production, small-scale marketing and pond management. Extension plays a vital role in agriculture and support of rural communities. This is even more so true for aquaculture, aquaculture producers and coastal and rural communities, as well as the entire world. In the US, aquaculture struggles against myths, agenda-ized science and poorly informed consumers. However, Dave has dedicated himself to changing this by improving the understanding and appreciation for aquaculture through extension and education. At a minimum, Dave’s work has touched over a million people through his Aquaculture Education and More YouTube channel, online aquatic education sites, and other social media forums.”

Dave continues to support the aquaculture industry through his long history of service to USAS. He has been a member of WAS and USAS since 1993. As a member of USAS, he served as a member of the Board of Directors from 2012-2013, Vice-President from 2014-2015, President-Elect in 2016, President in 2017 and Past-President in 2018. When you think about what it takes to make USAS function, it can be quite intimidating, and Dave has played a substantial role in USAS’s success for the past decade. Dave continues to chair the USAS Aquaculture Education ad hoc committee. Additionally Dave was elected to serve as a member of the WAS Board in 2020 – continuing his commitment to our professional society. As impressive as Dave’s accomplishments and service have been, perhaps one of the most exciting things to note is that is Dave Cline continues to lend his support to USAS and he continues to push for excellence in extension.

Tireless in his vision, passion, and sincerity and with great interest and wellbeing of USAS and its members, Dr. Mike Denson has been invaluable to the USAS. His vision has sparked the creation of the USAS living Policy and Procedures document and the longterm Strategic Plans for USAS and WAS. He sees the big picture and with kind and astute leadership that brings all the pieces of the puzzle together.

Mike received a B.S. degree in Biology from Long Island University - Southampton Campus (NY; 1988), an M.S. degree in aquaculture from Clemson University (SC; 1992) and a Ph.D. degree from Clemson (2006). Interestingly, he worked for 14 years at Marine Resources Research Institute (Charleston, SC) as a Sr. Biologist/Project Manager after his M.S. to develop his passion and return for his Ph.D. Since 2013 he has been Director of the Marine Resources Research Institute of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources where he has managed the growth of the SCDNR stock enhancement and applied fisheries research programs.

Besides his job as Director of the Institute, Mike has been an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston where he has been major advisor to at least 8 students and served as a M.S. committee member for at least 9 students. He has authored or coauthored at least 45 peer-reviewed publications and many reports.

Gary Fornshell was instrumental in collecting and disseminating scientific data later used to head off unfounded regulatory actions that would have had severe impacts on small trout farmers. Always grounded in sound science, common sense and commercial farm realities, he is not afraid to raise critical and often difficult issues affecting small and large farms alike. His expertise within extension is exemplified by his leadership skills and gentle way with people. As said by many, the recent retirement of Gary Fornshell will leave very large shoes to fill.

Reg Blaylock has been with the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center at the University of Southern Mississippi since 1999 and is now Assistant Director. He served on the Board of USAS for six years and developed a long-term financial plan to ensure the sustainability of the Society that provides financial security and allows us to realize our mission of supporting member benefits, increasing student travel awards, and implementing education and training classes at our annual meetings. Dr. Blaylock has also served many roles at annual USAS conferences over the years. Reg was the person that the Board looked to for critical insight derived from long-term experience with both the Society and industry.

Few people in fisheries and aquaculture can lay claim to fundamentally changing a community for the better the way that Leslie has in Cedar Key. In less than 20 years, a diverse team led by Leslie saved the small fishing village of Cedar Key from economic depression caused by closure of the traditional gill net fishery. She did this by working with the community and government to develop the state's clam farming industry.  Clam farming is now Florida's most lucrative marine aquaculture industry, with a statewide economic impact of about $53 million. Cedar Key produces more than 90 percent of the state's total clam crop, with an annual farm gate value of $17.8 million. The industry now grows about 175 million clams per year and provides the Cedar Key are with more than 550 jobs. 

Leslie routinely deals with a diverse industry (more than 250 shellfish growers, 10 seed suppliers, 50 shellfish wholesalers and numerous related businesses) in more than 14 counties along Florida's coast. She works closely with the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, the Statewide Clam Aquaculture Task Force and several professional associations, including as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association. 

Dr. Engle is a USAS Past-President and has served on numerous Society committees. Further, she has made many contributions to the field of aquaculture economics and instrumental in the development of the world-class aquaculture program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 

Jim grew up in southern Michigan, earned a BS degree in biology at Michigan State University and, yearning to travel, applied to the Peace Corps, landing in the fish culture program headed to India, along with seven other volunteers ready to save the world. He extended his two years in India to another year in Cameroon West Africa spawning common carp and Tilapia. On to Auburn University for a MS degree in Aquaculture working with Dr. Claude Boyd and Tom Lovell.  Dr. Craig Tucker and Dr. Robert Busch allowed Jim to pursue his Ph.D. and work directly impact fish farmers. In total, Jim worked in Mississippi for 33 years with the catfish industry, all while connecting research and extension professionals across the U.S. and the world.

Craig Watson, a native of Miami, began his career at a tropical fish farm in 1974. Craig paid his way through college at Florida State University by working at a local tropical fish store, and afterwards worked for a year as shipping manager of a wholesale tropical fish cooperative in Riverview, Florida.  He and his wife Mary then spent three years as volunteers in the U.S. Peace Corps in Tunisia, where he assisted in a marine hatchery producing sea bass, sea bream, sole, and shrimp.  After Peace Corps he did his graduate work at Auburn University in aquaculture.

Craig joined the University of Florida as a multi-county aquaculture extension agent in April of 1988 and developed a strong statewide extension program in support of the aquarium fish and plant industry. In addition to development of an industry newsletter and a highly successful monthly seminar series, he regularly provided on-site support in all aspects of ornamental fish culture. In 1997, he was appointed director and research coordinator for the newly established Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. 

Through his education, research, and one-on-one work with Florida producers, Craig has developed expertise in a wide range of issues surrounding the commercial success of ornamental aquaculture including reproduction strategies, hatchery and system design, chemical and drug usage, and environmental practices.  His life’s work has taken him to every continent except Antarctica, focusing on issues surrounding aquaculture and capture fisheries involved in the aquarium industry.  As director and research coordinator of the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, he is responsible for assuring that programs and staff are providing the fundamental support to Florida’s farms as mandated by the Land Grant mission.  In recognition of outstanding leadership and impact in U.S. aquaculture, Craig received the 2008 U.S. Aquaculture Society and World Aquaculture Society’s Distinguished Service Award.

 Craig serves on several boards including the Florida Aquaculture Association, the National Aquaculture Association, and the Florida Aquarium, and was instrumental in development of the highly successful Aquariumania exhibit there. A father of two, Craig enjoys outdoor activities, especially camping, fishing, and boating.

Craig Watson's Bio from Aquariumania with Dr. Roy Yanong Episode 20. 

Juliette Massey, former Home Office Director of WAS and USAS, was the "heart and soul" of the USAS Chapter and provided a critical continuity of assistance and guidance for almost 20 years. Her sincere dedication and attention to detail were critical to the development of USAS over this period. She always had a special place in her heart for student members and strived to assist the student organizations whenever possible. Juliette retired effective March 31, 2007.

For a heartfelt elaboration on Juliette's dedicated service to the Society, see "End of an Era" by Robert Stickney, Editor of WAS Magazine (March 2007). 

David Brune has a B.S in Environmental Engineering, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Missouri. He has worked at the University of California Davis, Pennsylvania State University, and is now at Clemson where he holds the Newman Endowed Chair in Natural Resources Engineering. He has served as President and on the Board of Directors of the Aquacultural Engineering Society, on the Editorial Board for the Aquacultural Engineering Journal, and on the Aquacultural Engineering Committee of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE). In 1990 he received the ASAE outstanding Young Researcher award. 

Dr. Brune is an outstanding researcher and has done considerable outreach both in extension and as a consultant. The research he has done at Clemson on the fish culture systems where he can grow more fish per acre by utilizing the natural recycling ability of algae and phytoplankton is unique, innovative, and based on calculations he has developed and has proven are correct. Using his techniques a farmer can raise more fish per acre in a pond culture system than with any other technique. The research he did at both California and Pennsylvania State were also innovative. David has published over 100 publications and holds two patents almost all of which are related to aquaculture. He has been principle investigator or investigator on over 60 research projects, most of which were aquacultural engineering projects. 

David is highly respected by aquacultural researchers working in academic positions and as a consultant by people in the aquaculture industry. He has consulted in Tawain, Texas, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Mississippi on aquacultural problems. He has made many presentations to audiences ranging from Ph.D. engineers to the general public and he has always done an excellent job of presenting material at a level appropriate to the audience. His presentations are well organized and succinct. When working with industry people in an extension or consultant mode, he communicates well and people listen to his ideas and generally take his professional advice. 

Dr. Swann has been director of the (Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant ) consortium consortium since 2002. During his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional and sustained contributions to allow NOAA, NOAA Research and Sea Grant to accomplish their shared mission. Dr. Swann’s accomplishments and activities have been recognized locally, regionally and nationally...

A leader in the Gulf region, he is an advisory group member for National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program and is part of the NOAA Gulf of Mexico Regional Collaboration Team. Dr. Swann also serves on the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Management Team.

Dr. Swann is a leader for Sea Grant outreach, which is central to NOAA’s Engagement Enterprise in the Gulf of Mexico Region and beyond for current and emerging topics. He initiated the Gulf of Mexico Climate Outreach Community of Practice for NOAA’s public engagement for climate adaptation and mitigation and serves on the Gulf of Mexico Universities Research Collaborative, the newly forming Centers of Excellence, and other regional and state efforts that help coordinate science, restoration and education and outreach activities... 

Excerpt from "Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Director Named NOAA Research Team Member of the Month" (December 5, 2013).

Dr. Swann previously worked as an Aquaculture Extension Specialist with the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program located at Purdue University and the University of Illinois. 

LaDon has conducted research on shellfish aquaculture and habitat restoration, and has many years of experience designing, delivering and evaluating adult education programs. LaDon also served in the U.S. Peace Corps as an aquaculture volunteer in Togo, West Africa.