November 10, 2022 — Very sad to learn that Dr. Bill (William) Hogarth has died.
Bill was a talented advocate for all of us. He conducted “fish business” with the highest humanity, intelligence, and humor. To see him work his magic at international ICCAT meetings was something. As a negotiator, Bill was credited with “bringing greater international attention” to Atlantic large pelagics, but as noted in his many service and conservation awards, but he also served “as a credible voice for independent science”. That included Large Pelagics Research Center. Bill always expressed his appreciation for our work on bluefin. Personally, and consistently. He understood what we were up against, and made it clear that he saw independent research as constructive for NOAA’s science mission, even when it disrupted status quo.
I can’t think of a single scientist or fisherman that got to know Bill Hogarth that didn’t deeply respect him. We all enjoyed being in his company, especially after the tough work was done at ICCAT meetings. Then, the bourbon came out to cement bonds of work and friendship. So many stories to tell about Bill’s role as referee at US bluefin workshops, when experts argued about spawning grounds, maturity, tagging, stock structure— (wait! they still do!). Bill always found the humor in human behavior, and kept things civil and enjoyable. We were lucky to have Dr. Bill Hogarth at the helm for those challenging times. Friends and colleagues around the world will celebrate his life, and mourn his loss.