Professor emeritus Acheson passes away
A memorial service will be held this fall for University of Maine professor emeritus James Acheson, who held a joint appointment in the Anthropology Department and the School of Marine Sciences. Acheson passed away June 28 at the age of 84.
He joined the UMaine anthropology faculty in 1968 and retired in 2013. Acheson was a quintessential teacher and researcher, and was internationally known for his work with the Maine lobster industry. As noted in his obituary, Acheson was integral in the establishment of a co-management system in Maine between the government and the fishing industry that has become a national and international model.
His five books included the seminal “The Lobster Gangs of Maine” (1988) and “Capturing the Commons: Devising Institutions to Manage the Maine Lobster Industry” (2004).
Acheson received UMaine’s 2005 Presidential Research and Creative Achievement Award and was named the 2009 Distinguished Maine Professor.
He is survived by his wife Ann Acheson, seven children, 17 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and other family members.