Martin Hamel

Martin Hamel is an Associate Professor of Fisheries Management and Ecology at the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. His research focuses on applied ecology and fish population dynamics in riverine environments, particularly addressing how environmental factors influence fish populations and inform resource management. He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2013), an M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from South Dakota State University (2006), and a B.S. in Conservation Management and Biology from Upper Iowa University (2003).

Dr. Hamel's work spans invasive species management, otolith microchemistry analysis, and the creation of the FishAge database—a global repository of known-age fish structures. His research emphasizes the interplay between native and invasive species in rivers, habitat selection, and conservation strategies. Collaborations include projects on pallid sturgeon recovery, blue catfish dispersal, and Suwannee bass demographics.

Recent studies highlight his contributions to understanding fish movement patterns, trace element applications, and freshwater ecosystem dynamics. His team's efforts in developing novel sampling tools, such as bank poles for catfish monitoring, reflect innovative approaches to fisheries management. Dr. Hamel is also active in professional organizations, including the American Fisheries Society, and advocates for science communication and education.