This is the most prestigious award offered by the Western Division (Division). The award is intended to recognize sustained, professional excellence. This award is given annually to an AFS member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and exceptional competence in fishery resource applications through monumental works, new methodologies, or multiple successful contributions that benefit our resources and profession. Successful nominees have usually excelled in research or management programs at the regional, national, or international levels. Other examples include fresh, innovative approaches to improving our understanding of aquatic resources, and imaginative and successful programs in education at any level of teaching. The Award of Excellence is given annually to a member who has demonstrated outstanding sustained achievement in the fisheries profession. This is the highest award given by the Division and also the oldest award, first being presented in 1970.
Past Award Winners
- 2023
- Matthew Campbell, Idaho Fish and Game
- 2022
- Dr. Frank Rahel, University of Wyoming
- 2021
- Not awarded
- 2020
- Not awarded
- 2019
- Dr. Shawn Narum, Columbia River Inter-tribal Fish Commission
- 2018
- Dr. Christine Moffitt
- 2017
- Dr. Jason Dunham, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science
Center, U.S. Geological Survey
Dr. Peter Moyle, Santa
Cruz – University of California, Davis - 2016
- Dr. John Skalski
- 2015
- Dan Isaak
- 2014
- Dr. Tim Beechie
- 2013
- Dr. Andre Punt, University of Washington
- 2012
- Mike Stone
- 2011
- Mike Young (MT)
- 2010
- Kurt Fausch
- 2009
- Bruce Rieman, Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station
- 2008
- Hiram Li
- 2007
- Carl Schreck, Oregon State University, Corvallis
- 2006
- Wayne Hubert
- 2004
- Dr. E. Eric Knudsen
- 2003
- Dr. Gary Sakagawa and Dr. Oscar Sosa Nishizaki
- 2002
- Dr. Pete Bisson (AFS, Washington)
- 2001
- Jim Martin
- 2000
- Tom Powell
- 1999
- Dave Buchanan
- 1998
- 1997
- Dr. Roger A. Barnhart, Humboldt State University
- 1996
- Dr. Fred M. Utter, University of Washington
- 1995
- Tom Northcote
- 1994
- Dr. James Hall, Oregon State University; Dr. Robert “Bud” Burgner
- 1993
- Dr. Robert Behnke, Colorado State University
- 1992
- Dr. Ted C. Bjornn, University of Idaho
- 1991
- Richard Shomura; Frank Halfmoon; Peter Moyle
- 1990
- Ron Goede, State of Utah
- 1989
- 1988
- Cindy Williams; Jack Williams
- 1987
- Lauren R. Donaldson and John R. Donaldson
- 1986
- Bruce H. Smith
- 1985
- Jointly awarded to Dr. Keith B. Jefferts and Dr. Peter K. Bergman
- 1984
- Dr. Milo Bell
- 1983
- Don Duff
- 1982
- Phil Pister, California
- 1981
- 1980
- Dr. Richard Whitney, University of Washington
- 1979
- Roger Eugene Burrows
- 1978
- 1977
- Fred Eiserman, Wyoming
- 1976
- 1975
- 1974
- 1973
- 1972
- 1971
- 1970
- Alex Calhoun