College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

Gary Whelan, of Shaftsburg, Michigan, will be honored with the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Distinguished Service Award at the March 7 ANR Awards Program.

The Distinguished Service Award honors individuals or partners who have made outstanding contributions to Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources industries, and who possess high standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the college.

Whelan’s distinguished career as a fisheries biologist spans over 40 years, with more than 35 years spent at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Recently retired from his role as Program Manager for the DNR’s Fisheries Division, Whelan’s contributions to fisheries management and aquatic ecosystem health have had a lasting impact, both in Michigan and and around the Great Lakes region. He holds a B.S. in fisheries management from the University of Wyoming and an M.S. in fisheries management from the University of Missouri.

During his tenure at the Michigan DNR, Whelan was responsible for overseeing the Fisheries Research Section and managing key programs, including the Fish Health Program. His leadership in addressing critical fish pathogen challenges, such as bacterial kidney disease, whirling disease and viral hemorrhagic septicemia, elevated the importance of fish health in the broader field of aquatic biology. Whelan’s work ensured that the health of fish populations in Michigan and the Great Lakes was better understood and protected.

Whelan’s efforts also extended to analyzing the environmental impacts of hydropower projects on Michigan rivers. His research has been instrumental in improving aquatic habitats across the state, with his findings serving as a model for other states looking to address similar challenges. This work has not only improved water quality and fish health but also contributed to the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.

Whelan played a key role in establishing the Partnership for Ecosystem Research and Management (PERM). This collaboration between MSU, CANR and the Michigan DNR brings together faculty and state natural resource teams to address critical environmental challenges in Michigan and the Great Lakes. Under Whelan’s leadership, PERM has built a successful network for enhancing fisheries and ecosystem management, inspiring similar initiatives in other U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

Whelan’s long-standing partnership with CANR has been a cornerstone of his career. As an adjunct faculty member, he has co-authored 31 publications with MSU faculty and graduate students since 2015, contributing to the development of future fisheries scientists. He has demonstrated leadership on various boards and committees, including the Janice Fenske Fellowship Board, where he has mentored students in fisheries management, and the Board of Advisors for MSU’s Quantitative Fisheries Center, advocating for the integration of faculty expertise into fishery management.

Whelan has been an active leader in national and international organizations, serving in multiple leadership roles for the American Fisheries Society (AFS) and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA). He is currently President-Elect of AFS and has contributed to national fisheries policy issues for over 20 years. Whelan has also been deeply involved in the National Fish Habitat Partnership, co-chairing the Science and Data Committee for nearly two decades and overseeing the National Fish Habitat Assessment.

Throughout his career, Whelan has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to fisheries science and management. In 2022, he received the Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Contributions from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. In 2019, he was named a Fellow of the American Fisheries Society, and in 2020, he received the Meritorious Service Award from the AFS North Central Division. Most recently, Whelan was honored with the 2024 CANR Honorary Alumni Award.

In retirement, Whelan continues to assist in training AFWA staff on national fisheries policy issues, ensuring that his expertise continues to influence the field. His career, characterized by dedication to research, service, and collaboration, has made Whelan a key figure in fisheries management and a valued partner to MSU, the Michigan DNR and numerous national organizations.