Volunteer profile – Dr. Jeff Hutchings

Meet Jeff Hutchings, a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee – formerly called the Central Advisory Committee.

Hutchings, a professor at Dalhousie University and former Chair of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (2006-2010), first became involved with the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation in 2009.

“I became involved following an invitation to serve on the ASCF’s Central Advisory Committee,” he said. “I was a member of the Central Advisory Committee for 6 years, and I now serve on the ASCF’s new Scientific Advisory Committee. My interest in Atlantic salmon began in 1982 during my MSc research on two salmon populations in Newfoundland’s Terra Nova National Park. Since 1985, I have authored 51 peer-reviewed scientific papers on the ecology, behaviour, reproduction, conservation, and evolution of Atlantic salmon. I have also supervised 10 PhD and MSc students whose thesis research focussed on Atlantic salmon.”

“I remain involved because of the opportunity it provides me to contribute what I can to the conservation and continued viability of wild salmon populations.”

Hutchings said the ASCF plays a uniqueand increasingly pivotal role in a wide range of initiatives that directly or indirectly contribute to the restoration and persistence of Atlantic salmon.

“It serves as a nexus of financial and logistical support for interested individuals and parties, including aboriginal groups, community organizations, academic scientists, and government researchers.”

Volunteers are crucial to the work ASCF does, and each month we will introduce you to one of our stellar volunteers to say thank you for all the work they do in Atlantic salmon conservation.