Governor Bill Walker submitted nominations this month to fill two seats on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Alaska has five seats with voting power on the council—two of which will be open in August. The secretary of commerce appoints the council members based on the governor’s recommendation.
Walker nominated incumbent Seward-based charter owner Andrew Mezirow for one of the two seats. Council members may be reappointed, but there is a three-term limit. Mezirow is a lifelong sports angler and the owner of Gray Light Sports fishing.
Walker is required to give two additional recommendations for each seat. He nominated Paul Gronholdt and Greg Indreland as alternatives.
Chairman Dan Hull, who has served three consecutive terms, is vacating the second seat. In his place, the governor is recommending John Jensen as his preferred nominee. The Petersburg angler owns and operates a seasonal skiff renting business and has over 50 years of experience in the fishing industry.
Dan Falvey and Tom Panamaroff were nominated as alternatives for Hull’s seat.
The governor of Washington also nominated Craig Cross for one upcoming vacant seat. The state has two voting seats on the board.