Hugh McCormick Smith

HM Smith

Hugh McCormick Smith (November 21, 1865 – September 28, 1941) was an American ichthyologist and administrator known for his significant contributions to the field of fisheries science. He served as the United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries and was instrumental in the development of fishery policies and research in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Hugh McCormick Smith was born on November 21, 1865, in Washington, D.C.. He developed an early interest in natural sciences, particularly in the study of fish. Smith pursued his higher education at Cornell University, where he earned his degree in 1888. He later attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he obtained his medical degree in 1892.

Career

Smith began his career as an assistant in the United States Fish Commission in 1886. His work primarily involved the study and classification of fish species. In 1897, he was appointed as the Chief of the Division of Scientific Inquiry, a position that allowed him to oversee various research projects related to fisheries.

In 1901, Smith became the Deputy Commissioner of the United States Bureau of Fisheries, and in 1913, he was appointed as the United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in the expansion of fish hatcheries and the implementation of scientific methods in fishery management.

Contributions to Ichthyology

Smith's contributions to ichthyology are vast. He described numerous new species of fish and published extensively on the subject. His works include detailed studies on the fish fauna of the United States and Southeast Asia. Smith's research provided valuable insights into the biology, distribution, and ecology of various fish species.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from the Bureau of Fisheries in 1922, Smith continued his research and writing. He remained active in the scientific community until his death on September 28, 1941. Smith's legacy lives on through his numerous publications and the policies he helped to establish, which continue to influence fisheries science and management.

Selected Publications

• The Fishes of North Carolina (1907)
• A Review of the Marine Fishes of Japan (1908)
• The Freshwater Fishes of Siam, or Thailand (1945, posthumously)

See Also

• Ichthyology
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service
• Fish hatchery
• Fisheries management