Remembering Ron Hodson

For immediate release

Ron Hodson, a leader in North Carolina’s aquaculture industry, passed away on February 17, 2025. He served North Carolina Sea Grant from 1981 until his retirement in 2006.

Hodson grew up on his family’s farm in Trotwood, Ohio, the start of his lifelong journey in fisheries and aquaculture. He credited his upbringing with his being “a natural” in this field of study, earning a doctorate in fisheries sciences from Texas A&M University.

In 1981, he joined North Carolina Sea Grant as its associate director and became the program’s director in 1998. Hodson’s work expanding the state’s commercial hybrid striped bass aquaculture industry helped transform the seafood market while improving rural economic development.

Following his tenure as program director for nine years, Hodson retired in 2006 from both North Carolina Sea Grant and the Department of Zoology at NC State University, where he was a faculty member. For his years of career achievements and service, Hodson received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine from the Governor of North Carolina, the state’s highest honor.

To his colleagues, he was a hard-working man without any pretenses. “Ron was my first Sea Grant director,” says Katie Mosher, North Carolina Sea Grant’s former communications director. “He taught me not only the value of applied science helping communities, but also strategies for being a good supervisor and mentor.”

Eric Herbst, coastal aquaculture specialist for North Carolina Sea Grant, credits Hodson with igniting his love of the field.

“My first experience witnessing aquaculture extension was Ron coming down to North State Fisheries, a hybrid striped bass farm in Pinetown, North Carolina, and pulling 3 or 4 all-nighters in a row helping the farm manager spawn fish. It left a big impression on me,” Herbst says. “I wanted to be like Ron.”

On behalf of North Carolina Sea Grant, we hope his family and friends find comfort and peace in the legacy he has left with us.

Read about Hodson’s life and achievements in his obituary.

Read Coastwatch’s piece on Hodson in honor of his retirement.