Longtime Aquatic and Fishery Sciences professor Robert L. “Bud” Burgner, a pioneer in Alaska fisheries research, passed away in January. A leader in the aquatic sciences, Burgner helped establish and served as Director of the Fisheries Research Institute from which the Alaska Salmon Program was born. Burgner also shepherded the development of the High Seas Salmon program with his extensive international connections with Japanese and Canadian scientists.  He will be remembered as a leader in Alaskan salmon research in freshwater and marine habitats, an international fisheries authority, and as an exceptionally kind, helpful and pleasant person. His work has helped lay the foundation for sustainable fisheries management that supports the healthy, productive Alaskan marine ecosystems from which we all benefit.

Read more about Burgner’s life, including stories and anecdotes relating to his rich research legacy at the UW.