During last week's meeting in New Bern, North Carolina, Fentress "Red" Munden was named this year's recipient of the Ricks E Savage award. The award is given each year to a person who has added value to the MAFMC process and management goals through significant scientific, legislative, enforcement, or management activities.
"Red's career reflects many years of contributions and service that advanced the management of Protected Resources and marine fisheries throughout the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic regions," said Council Chairman Rick Robins. "We are honored to recognize his distinguished service with the Ricks E Savage award."
Red Munden retired in 2012 after more than 43 years of work for the state of North Carolina, the last 14 of which he served on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Red began his work with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries in 1969 as a shellfish biologist, quickly rising through the ranks to serve in numerous leadership roles. He was in charge of the Development (Resource Enhancement), Operations, and Fisheries Management sections at various times during his career, and also served seven years as deputy director of the division.
In 1997, Red was temporarily assigned to the National Marine Fisheries Service as a fishery management specialist. He came back to the division later that year where his work shifted focus to regional fishery management councils and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission issues. Red has served as the division director’s proxy on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council for the last 14 years. He also represented the division on numerous federal take reduction teams for bottlenose dolphin, Atlantic large whales, harbor porpoise, and pelagic longlines.
Red’s work with endangered and threatened species led to his taking on additional duties in 2011 as the head of the division’s newly-formed Protected Resources Section. In recent years, he played a vital role in developing and implementing measures to protect sea turtles while maintaining commercial fisheries in North Carolina.
Red received his B.S. in agriculture from N.C. State University and his M.A. in education and biology from East Carolina University. He retired at the rank of captain from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve with 15 years of service.