University Relations 202 Eielson Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7520
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Fairbanks, Alaska — University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Dean Vera Alexander has been appointed by President Clinton to serve on the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission.
The commission, which is scheduled to hold its next meeting in Fairbanks Nov. 14-16 at the Princess Hotel, oversees and makes policy recommendations for the protection of the nation’s marine mammals.
Following a detailed FBI investigation, Alexander’s appointment went to the U.S. Senate for a confirmation vote. Normally the appointment process involves a committee hearing, but in Alexander’s case the hearing was waived. Following a recommendation by the committee, the full senate endorsed Alexander’s appointment without objection.
Alexander said she was thrilled to learn of her federal appointment. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to work on national policy issues relating to marine mammals. The Marine Mammal Commission is recognized for its fair, objective and thorough approach to problem solving.”
“Marine mammal issues in Alaska are particularly critical, in that they can impact fisheries management. Fisheries is a major economic sector here in Alaska and we particularly need the application of credible scientific knowledge to the management of our marine ecosystems,” Alexander said.
More than 100 scientists and students at UAF and its locations around the state study Alaska's vast ocean resources, said Alexander.
One of three members appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, Alexander will annually meet with the committee, commission and senior staff to review laws and international conventions governing marine mammals. In addition, the commission conducts research, reviews conditions of mammal stocks and recommends appropriate actions for marine mammal protection and conservation.
Alexander is the first woman to receive a doctoral degree from UAF, and one of UAF’s first two recipients of a Ph.D. in marine science. She was named Director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Marine Science in 1979, and Dean of the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in 1989. She joined UAF in 1962, after earning her bachelor of arts and master of science degrees from the University of Wisconsin..
Born in Budapest, Hungary, Alexander has focused her research efforts on the biology of ice-covered seas, and the study of arctic and sub-arctic fresh waters. She has extensive experience in arctic and Antarctic sea-ice areas, with emphasis on ice biology, primary production and nitrogen dynamics. For the last five years she has also been involved in the design of the proposed National Science Foundation arctic research vessel.
Alexander is the voting U.S. academic delegate to the North Pacific Marine Science Organization and a member of the Committee on Geophysical and Environmental Data of the National Research Council’s Earth, Science and Resources Board.
Two UAF faculty have previously served on the Marine Mammal Commission. Bob Elsner has served as a member and also chaired the commission, and the late F. H. (Bud) Fay served.
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CONTACT: SFOS Dean Vera Alexander, (907) 474-6824, or SFOS Resource Associate Brendan Kelly (907) 474-7662.