Delo retired from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in 1999, after a notable 21-year career as a biologist and fish culturist, according to the governor’s press statement. He is a certified and active hunter education instructor and boating safety instructor. Delo currently serves on the Alaska Boating Safety Advisory Council and is chair of the Mat-Su Valley Fish and Game Advisory Committee. He received a master of science degree in wildlife management from the University of Maine.

Delo replaces Art Nelson, whose term expires June 30. Nelson brought a solid commercial fishing background to the board with employment by the At-Sea Processors and the Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association on his resume, but also admitted to being a “sport fishing junkie.”

Vince Webster currently is the Lake and Peninsula School District’s facilities and maintenance director. He also serves as co-chair of the Naknek/Kvichak Fish and Game Advisory Committee, a position he has held for 15 years. Webster served in the United States Air Force from 1975 to 1982. During his military service, he managed a boat dock and charter boat in King Salmon. Webster also is a long-time hunter and recreational fisherman. He fills the seat of Robert Heyano of Bristol Bay, whose term also expires June 30.

The seven members of the Board of Fisheries are appointed by the governor to conserve and develop the fishery resources of the state. The board is charged with making decisions about allocation, while the Department of Fish and Game is responsible for management based on those decisions. All appointees are subject to legislative confirmation.

The board completed the 2006-2007 meeting cycle with a meeting about statewide finfish issues March 9-13.

Another recent appointment that directly affects the commercial fishing world is that of John Hilsinger as director of commercial fisheries for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, a position previously held by Denby Lloyd, who is now ADF&G commissioner.

Hilsinger previously had been regional supervisor for two different regions within the division before he retired in 1998. Since retirement, he has been working in various short-term capacities for the department, most recently on issues pertaining to dual state/federal subsistence management.

“John is one of those special people who combines both a depth and breadth of experience,” Lloyd said. “He has been involved in the research and management of commercial and subsistence fisheries throughout central, western and northern Alaska, and he will provide the calm deliberate guidance needed for the division statewide.”

In 2003, Hilsinger’s was one of two names forwarded to Gov. Frank Murkowski by the joint boards of fish and game for consideration as ADF&G commissioner. Murkowski appointed the other candidate, Kevin Duffy, to the position.