Michael Hansen
About Michael Hansen
Michael Hansen is a Supervisory Research Fishery Biologist at the U.S. Geological Survey since 2013, with a background in fisheries management and research spanning several decades. He has held various academic and governmental positions, including professor and specialist roles, and currently manages a significant research program and budget at the Hammond Bay Biological Station in Michigan.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Michael Hansen has worked at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a Supervisory Research Fishery Biologist since 2013. He is based at the Hammond Bay Biological Station in Millersburg, Michigan. In this role, he manages an annual base budget of $1.2 million, which is provided through a cooperative agreement with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Hansen supervises a diverse team that includes three research scientists, five biological science technicians, one administrative technician, two post-doctoral associates, and two communications associates. He also serves as the primary liaison to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, overseeing the development and management of a research program comprising 25 to 35 projects.
Education and Expertise
Michael Hansen holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University, which he completed between 1991 and 1994. He also earned a Master of Science (MS) in Natural Resources with a focus on Fishery Science from Cornell University, studying there from 1981 to 1983. Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Natural Resources, specializing in Fisheries, from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he studied from 1976 to 1979. His extensive educational background underpins his expertise in fishery biology and management.
Background
Before joining the USGS, Michael Hansen had a diverse career in fishery sciences. He served as a Professor of Fisheries at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point from 1996 to 2013. Prior to that, he worked at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a Treaty Fishery Specialist and Great Lakes Sport Fishery Specialist from 1984 to 1990. Hansen also held a position as a Supervisory Research Fishery Biologist at the US Fish and Wildlife Service from 1990 to 1996. His career began as an Associate Scientist at EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. from 1981 to 1984. Additionally, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer (Sonar Technician) Second Class from 1972 to 1976.
Achievements
Michael Hansen has contributed significantly to the field of fishery management. He served as a co-editor of the North American Journal of Fisheries Management from 1997 through 2010. Hansen has also held leadership roles, including serving as the former chair and member of the U.S. Section of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. He previously led the section of Resource Assessment and Fish Community Dynamics within the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Great Lakes Science Center. His management of a 10,200-square-foot laboratory-office complex, along with a support network of additional facilities, demonstrates his commitment to advancing fishery research.