The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has named longtime industry representative and former Council member Peter Hughes as the recipient of the 2025 Ricks E. Savage Award, recognizing his decades of contributions to fisheries management and conservation in the region.
The award was established in 2006 to recognize individuals who have added value to the Council process and management goals through significant scientific, legislative, enforcement, or management activities. The Council’s meeting last week in New York City was when Hughes accepted the award.
A native of Elyria, Ohio, Hughes first discovered his love of fishing during family vacations on Long Beach Island. That early passion eventually led him to Cape May, New Jersey, in 1986, where he began his career in commercial fisheries aboard the F/V Atlantic Prince. In 1990, he transitioned to a shoreside role at Atlantic Capes Fisheries, Inc., where he has worked for more than 35 years and now serves as Director of Sustainability. Hughes was appointed to the Council in 2016 and served with distinction for nine years before completing his service in 2025. During this time, he became one of the Council’s most steadfast leaders, bringing broad, practical knowledge of fisheries to every discussion.
As Chair of the Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Committee for eight years, Hughes helped guide multiple major actions, including two Atlantic mackerel rebuilding plans, development of long-term management for chub mackerel, and measures to limit future capacity increases in the Illex squid fishery. He also chaired the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee for five years, leading work on a key amendment addressing species separation requirements.
Throughout his tenure, Hughes also served as liaison to the New England Fishery Management Council, helping maintain communication and coordination between the two management bodies.
Council leadership pointed to Hughes’ approach to stakeholder engagement as a defining part of his service.
“Peter took public comment very seriously and was sensitive to the competing interests of recreational and commercial stakeholders, as well as differing sectors within the industry,” said Joe Cimino, Council Chair. “He always came to the table with the goal of finding the best possible solutions for all parties.”
That approach played out during development of the Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Amendment, when Hughes proposed expanding recreational possession limit options to include a 20-fish cap after considering feedback from the for-hire operators and New England states. The Council ultimately adopted that option.
