Chairman Hull presents Dr. Doug Demaster with a plaque commemorating service
The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) elected Anne Hollowed and Gordon Kruse as co-Chairs of the SSC for 2018. Dr. Hollowed chaired the February meeting, and will chair in April and December. Dr. Kruse will chair in June and October. Sherri Dressel was re-elected as vice-Chair.
The Council noted the retirement of Doug DeMaster. DeMaster has been the Science and Research Director of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center since 2001, and served in numerous capacities as marine mammal expert prior to Director. David Witherell noted that 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.
The Council’s Advisory Panel re-elected Ernie Weiss as Chair, and Angel Drobnika and Matt Upton as vice-Chairs.
The Council Chairman appointed Denise May to the Charter Halibut Management Committee.
The Chairman also provisionally appointed Dr. Mike Downs (SSC member), Dr. Elizabeth Figus (NPFMC staff), and Mike Fey (AKFIN staff) to the Social Science Planning Team. The Council will consider making their appointments permanent in April.
