Heather Brandon to lead �ֻ�ֱ�� Sea Grant

August 13, 2018

The �ֻ�ֱ�� has chosen Heather Brandon as �ֻ�ֱ�� Sea Grant’s new director.

Brandon is an environmental policy leader with experience in fisheries issues on a broad geographic scale, ranging from �ֻ�ֱ�� to the Arctic and Russian Far East. The Juneau resident was selected after a competitive national search.

“I am very pleased that Heather will take the helm at �ֻ�ֱ�� Sea Grant,” said Bradley Moran, dean of the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. “Heather has a solid working knowledge of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s programs, including Sea Grant, and brings a wealth of experience that will be an asset to the �ֻ�ֱ�� Sea Grant program.”

Before joining �ֻ�ֱ�� Sea Grant, Brandon was a foreign affairs specialist for NOAA’s Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection. Brandon has also worked for World Wildlife Fund, Juneau Economic Development Council, Pacific Fishery Management Council, and �ֻ�ֱ�� Department of Fish and Game, and served on the U.S. Department of Commerce Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee. She has a master’s degree in marine affairs from the University of Washington and a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Oregon.

“I’m excited to lead �ֻ�ֱ�� Sea Grant into this new chapter. It’s a vital program to our state’s fishing and seafood industries and a leader in applied research that benefits coastal communities from Utqiagvik to Metlakatla,” said Brandon. “I especially look forward to getting involved with �ֻ�ֱ�� Sea Grant’s training and education programs, such as the �ֻ�ֱ�� Young Fishermen’s Summit.”

�ֻ�ֱ�� Sea Grant is a partnership between NOAA and UAF. It is one of 33 Sea Grant programs across the country. Through research, outreach and education, �ֻ�ֱ�� Sea Grant works to enhance the sustainable use and conservation of �ֻ�ֱ��’s marine and freshwater ecosystems and coastal economies. �ֻ�ֱ�� Sea Grant is housed within the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and has served �ֻ�ֱ��ns for nearly 50 years.

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