Richard Novak was an extraordinary individual who dedicated his life to marine issues. He was passionate about winter bluefin tuna in Carolina waters and North Carolina watermen. Rich died of cardiac arrest while catching a large bluefin tuna for the TAG team on January 21, 2004. Richard was our research partner, friend and scholar. His loss was deeply felt by all members of the TAG scientific team. TAG scientists in his honor have initiated a research endowment fund at Duke University Marine Lab called the Richard Novak Memorial Bluefin Tuna Scholarship. Grants from the fund will provide support for research, travel and field or laboratory work on bluefin tuna in North Carolina. Awards will be granted through an internal review process carried out by the Director and a Scientific Advisory Board of TAG scientists and Duke University professors.

Please give generously in Rich’s honor to the following: