[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 11, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. ANSON H. ``TUCK'' HINES AS HE RETIRES AS DIRECTOR 
            OF THE SMITHSONIAN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2025

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Marylander of great 
character, intellect, and vision: Dr. Anson H. ``Tuck'' Hines. After 46 
years working at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) 
in Edgewater, Maryland, Dr. Hines is retiring as SERC's Director. We 
ought to reflect on all he has been able to accomplish in that time.
  Dr. Hines came to SERC as a Marine Ecologist in 1979 a few years 
after earning his PhD in Zoology at the University of California, 
Berkeley. Over the decades, he has authored more than 160 peer-reviewed 
publications and distinguished himself as a leader in the field of 
marine ecology and conservation. His research on fisheries, blue crabs, 
and invasive species has received international acclaim. Crucially, it 
has informed policy. His research into the decline of the Chesapeake 
Bay's blue crab population led both Maryland and Virginia to regulate 
harvesting of female blue crabs. Many of us on Team Maryland have 
worked with Dr. Hines on other conservation efforts over the years.
  Dr. Hines has also served as a mentor to numerous up-and-coming 
scientists. As an adjunct professor at my alma mater, the University of 
Maryland, College Park, he guided some 20 postdoctoral fellows as a 
major advisor. He has also supported hundreds of undergraduate interns, 
master of science students, and PhD candidates.
  Indeed, Dr. Hines is renowned not only as a researcher and academic 
but also as a leader. In 1988, he became Assistant Director of SERC 
before becoming its Director in 2005. Throughout his time in 
leadership, he helped turn SERC into a global leader on some of the 
most pressing challenges of our time--from climate change to habitat 
destruction to declining biodiversity. He oversaw major expansions to 
SERC. He helped increase the Center's landholdings by 1,100 acres and 
took charge of its effort to conserve 2,654 acres of the Rhode River 
watershed. He also expanded SERC's housing facilities so that the 
institution can host some of the field's brightest minds and train the 
next generation of scientists. Additionally, Dr. Hines sought to 
preserve the Chesapeake Bay's history with his restoration of the 
Woodlawn House--the oldest building in the Smithsonian's collection 
that is still in its original location--back in 2020. It now serves as 
the Woodlawn History Center, with exhibits that explain the story of 
the historic site as well as SERC's work.
  Sustainability remained one of Dr. Hines' top priorities as Director. 
He spearheaded the construction of the Smithsonian's first net-zero 
energy research facility: the LEED-Platinum certified Charles McC. 
Mathias Laboratory. How fitting that this cutting-edge facility is now 
home to scientists producing cutting-edge research that is preserving 
our planet for future generations.
  For all these efforts, Dr. Hines has received more awards and 
accolades than I could possibly name. Most importantly, he has earned 
the respect and gratitude of his fellow Marylanders and Americans. He 
truly has advanced the Smithsonian's stated mission: `the increase and 
diffusion of knowledge' I wish him all the best as he starts this 
exciting new chapter, and I have no doubt that he will remain a trusted 
voice in his field, a passionate custodian of the environment, and an 
important leader in our community long into the future. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating him on this milestone.

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