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NOAA FISHERIES REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR FOR ALASKA RETIRES
NEW ADMINISTRATOR ASSUMES DUTIES JUNE 4
Steven Pennoyer, administrator for the Alaska Region of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service has retired, effective May 31.
"Steve has been a pioneer in guiding the development of Alaskan fisheries at the state and federal levels," said Penny Dalton, assistant administrator of NOAA Fisheries. "Under Steve's astute leadership, the Alaska Region has successfully managed the largest groundfish fishery in the nation under increasingly complex circumstances. These fisheries have been consistently maintained at a sustainable level of harvest year after year, decade after decade. Steve's led the way in developing many innovative programs to improve fisheries management in Alaska. Several of the programs are models for the nation and the world."
When Pennoyer began his administration of the Alaska region for NOAA Fisheries on January 3, 1989, his challenges began almost immediately. Two months into his federal career, Pennoyer received a phone call informing him of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound. Pennoyer played a key role from cleanup to recovery and the ongoing research and conservation resulting from this disaster.
In his first years at NOAA Fisheries, Pennoyer also met the challenge of transitioning the fisheries from a joint venture with foreign participation to a wholly Americanized domestic fishery. Other changes that have contributed to effective management of the $ billion fisheries include the largest individual fishing quota system in the world, reduced bycatch programs, increased retention and utilization to eliminate wasteful fishing practices, observer programs, and stock assessment programs.
Pennoyer also has served with distinction on international commissions, improving the effectiveness of U.S. international fisheries relationships. His appointments included the International Pacific Halibut Commission, the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission, the Pacific Salmon Commission, the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission, and as head of the delegation to the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Pollock Resources in the Central Bering Sea.
Prior to his tenure with NOAA Fisheries, Pennoyer was employed for almost 30 years with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, giving him unprecedented experience and additional achievements in managing Alaska's fisheries.
Pennoyer has received many awards. They include the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal in 1996, an outstanding service award from the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission in 1992, the American Fisheries Society's Wallace H. Noerenberg Award for Fishery Excellence in 1990, an award as Chief Negotiator for the U.S. Delegation to the Yukon River Salmon Negotiations in 1989, and recognition from the State of Alaska for his role in the negotiations of the Pacific Salmon Treaty with Canada in 1985.
Replacing Pennoyer will be Dr. James Balsiger who moves up from his position as Alaska Regional Science Center Director.
"I'm pleased to announce our selection of Jim Balsiger as NOAA's next regional administrator for the Alaska region," said Dalton. "As the science and research director of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, Washington, Jim has worked closely with Steve for several years and comes highly qualified to assume these challenging duties. His wealth of expertise and familiarity with the fisheries and marine mammal programs will provide for a smooth a change in leadership."
Balsiger has worked at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center since 1977, serving in several capacities, including fisheries management program leader, deputy director, and director of science and research. Under Balsiger's leadership, the Center has provided scientific support for the management of fishery resources, marine endangered species and marine mammals, and for protection of marine and coastal habitats.
Balsiger has more than 30 publications to his credit, holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan Technological University, a master's from Purdue University, and a doctorate from the University of Washington.
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