Nearly 350 guests enjoyed a banquet at the Captain Cook Hotel on December 8 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
At the event, Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan provided video addresses, thanking the Council and NOAA Fisheries for their efforts in maintaining profitable fisheries so important to Alaska. Past Council Chair Stephanie Madsen provided remarks that reflected on the actions the Council has taken to achieve sustainable fisheries and how everyone involved in the process has contributed to achieving a successful fishery management program here in the North Pacific. Eileen Sobeck, the Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries also provided congratulatory remarks, noting that the North Pacific Council has been a model for the nation.
Special 40th Anniversary recognition plaques were presented to individuals with a long history of service to the Council: Terry Quinn for his commitment to science and service as a member of the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee; Dave Hanson for his dedication to the process and long membership on the Council, and Ken Bettisworth for his support as the Council’s Audio Technician since 1977. Paul MacGregor was also recognized, roasted and “toasted” by his colleagues for his outstanding career as a fishing industry lawyer and representative. Glenn Reed hosted an interactive gameshow “Are You Smarter Than the Council Family?” which provided a light-hearted review of policy decisions and trivia from the last 40 years. The contestants (Glenn Merrill, John Gauvin, and Simon Kinneen) were good sports, and we all enjoyed more than a few laughs! A commemorative booklet documenting the history of the Council, as well as reflections of some members of the “Council Family”, was distributed at the event. Please contact the Council office if you would like a paper copy of the booklet. A special thank you to the many individuals and organizations who donated wine and door prizes. It was an enjoyable evening for everyone!
