Linda Holt, wife of honoree, Senora Holt, mother of honoree and Richard Holt, 2007 NWFCC Hall of Fame recipient.

Portland, Ore.— Richard Holt of Corvallis, Ore. was recently recognized as the 2007 inductee into the Northwest Fish Culture Hall of Fame at the 58th annual Northwest Fish Culture Conference.  Holt, a retired Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Pathologist was recognized for his pioneering efforts in battling diseases among hatchery fish.

During his tenure with ODFW, Holt spent several years in the Clackamas Fish Pathology lab later, moving to Corvallis to earn a doctorate degree at Oregon State University. He utilized his expertise to improve the state of Oregon’s fish health policy; facilitate a research arrangement with OSU, resulting in numerous collaborative projects with state officials and graduate students; and produce or be involved in over 16 scientific publications.

“Rich was very talented at trying to understand and alleviate diseases,” said Tony Amandi, ODFW Senior Fish Health Specialist. “But the real lasting legacy of Rich’s tenure as a fish health leader was the desire he instigated in his team members to excel in their work.”

The award was established in 1999 to acknowledge individuals making outstanding contributions to the advancement of fish culture.

The 58th annual Northwest Fish Culture Conference was hosted by ODFW Dec. 4-6 in Portland to provide an opportunity for people involved in fish culture from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, British Columbia, Wyoming and Montana to interact and share their experiences and knowledge.