Dan Hull, Chairman
David Witherell, Executive Director
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Executive Director's Report
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Staff News
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Elizabeth Figus has been hired to fill our Fishery Analyst position that became vacant with the promotion of Diana Evans. Dr. Figus recently completed her Fisheries PhD through the University of Alaska Fairbanks, with a focus on social science. Her dissertation was entitled "Eyes on the Sea: Demonstrating the usefulness of local knowledge to inform commercial fisheries management in Poland and Alaska". She has also been a commercial salmon fisherman and has participated on the IPHC setline survey. Dr. Figus will staff the Observer Committee and work on observer issues and other projects. Welcome aboard Elizabeth!
DeMaster to Retire
Dr. Doug DeMaster has announced his retirement date of April 2. This will therefore be his last Council meeting as the Science and Research Director of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, a role he has served since 2001. Previously he served as Director of the National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), leader of the NMML Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program, and head of the Marine Mammal Division at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. Dr. DeMaster is recognized as one of the leading experts on marine mammal stock assessment and marine mammal-fishery interactions, and he has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and reports on marine mammals. He has worked closely with the Council throughout his tenure, providing guidance on the conservation measures for Steller sea lions and other marine mammals, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. His knowledge and wisdom, positive attitude, and friendly demeanor will be sorely missed by all of us in the North Pacific. Best wishes in your retirement Doug, and a big mahalo nui loa for your dedication to the conservation and management of marine ecosystems off Alaska!
Public Comments
Beginning in October of this year, we extended the comme...
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