Professor emeritus Acheson passes away

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

July 22, 2022 Marine Sciences, Signature and Emerging Areas

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.