April 16, 2026 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has named Peter Hughes, longtime industry representative and former Council member, as the recipient of the 2025 Ricks E Savage Award. The Council established the award in 2006 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the management and conservation of fishery resources in the mid-Atlantic region. The award was presented to Hughes during the Council’s meeting last week in New York City.
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 guided the Council through the development of several challenging management actions, including two Atlantic mackerel rebuilding actions, an amendment to establish long-term management of chub mackerel, and a framework that established measures to limit future capacity increases in the Illex squid fishery. He also served as Chair of the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee for five years, providing steady leadership throughout the development of a major amendment to modify species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries.
Hughes also served as the Council’s liaison to the New England Fishery Management Council throughout his entire tenure, representing the Mid-Atlantic Council on several New England committees. In that role, he ensured clear communication between the Mid-Atlantic and New England Councils, conveying priorities, decisions, and concerns in both directions.
Hughes was also recognized for his approach to public engagement. “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.” One notable example came during the development of the Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Amendment, when the Council was considering a federal recreational possession limit for mackerel. Early options ranged from 10 to 15 fish. After reviewing public comments and input from the New England states regarding the potential impacts on for-hire businesses that rely on mackerel for bait, Hughes proposed expanding the range to include a 20-fish limit. The Council ultimately adopted that option, which reduced the burden on those businesses while still meeting rebuilding objectives.
The Council extends its gratitude to Peter Hughes for his years of dedicated service and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor.