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I am sad to report that our good friend and colleague, Fred Conte passed away last Friday evening. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.

Through cooperative extension and many other avenues, Fred exemplified the role of the bridge between growers, academia, science, and government. As a scientist in his own right, his knowledge of aquaculture, university systems, and most importantly, the needs and dreams of the farmer propelled and advanced aquaculture in California and throughout the world. Fred covered it all – technology, fish reproduction, nutrition, water quality, and so much more. He was truly an expert in every field of aquaculture.

As a person, Fred was a friend of many. His easy going, polite, and down home personality always shined. His drive and attention to detail was tenacious when it came time to help people in their quest for success, on the farm, and in the scientific world. Fred was truly a servant with a heart to find answers for his friends and colleagues.

Fred, we will miss you. You live on through your work and every fish and shellfish hatched from here forward.

Please send a few words, a memory, and a photo of Fred if you have one. Like a father on vacation, Fred shot thousands of photos, rarely is he in them. His family will appreciate the images. I will assist in collecting and organizing them for the family. Please help tell Fred’s story so his family can know many of the details of his service to us all. Send to Michael Lee (CAA) at info@caaquaculture.org.

For more about Fred and his work, click here. To view details of Fred’s 2016 McCraren Award, click here.