George C. Palmer (’96 B.S., ’99 M.S. fisheries science), an aquatic biologist for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, has been named the 2017 Fisheries Biologist of the Year by the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA), which covers 15 states and two U.S. territories.

“George Palmer has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the fisheries resources and the users of these resources throughout his career,” said SEAFWA President Alvin Taylor. “His efforts and outstanding reputation are appreciated beyond the borders of Virginia.”

Palmer directly oversees a comprehensive aquatic resource management program in south-central Virginia and leads the agency’s Walleye Technical Subcommittee. He initiated and leads a five-state Southern Appalachian Walleye group and contributed extensively to the department’s trout fisheries management. In addition to multiple walleye hatcheries, he manages the largest tailwater trout fishery in the state, two large reservoirs, several small impoundments, multiple wild trout streams, and the upper James River.

Adapted from The Outdoor Wire press release.

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