Robert Mumford tapped for Board of Fisheries seat vacated by Karl Johnstone, who resigned in January.
KDLG: Gov. Bill Walker nominated Anchorage resident Robert Mumford to serve on the state Board of Fisheries. KDLG's Molly Dischner has more:
Mumford is a retired fish and wildlife trooper who has worked in both sport and commercial fisheries enforcement. He currently serves on the state Board of Game, and his term expires at the end of June. His appointment is effective immediately, though it is still subject to confirmation vote by the legislature.
Mumford is Governor Bill Walker’s third pick for the vacant seat on Alaska’s seven-member Board of Fish. In January Walker appointed Kasilof commercial fisherman Roland Maw to replace Johnstone. Maw withdrew from consideration in February while under investigation in Montana for hunting license violations there.
The governor then appointed Soldotna resident Robert Ruffner, but the Legislature did not confirm the appointment in a 29-30 vote on April 19.
Kenai River Sportfishing Association opposed Ruffner’s confirmation, and legislators cited their concerns when speaking against Ruffner. Executive director Ricky Gease said the group supports Mumford.
“Kenai River Sportfishing Association supports the governor’s decision for the new appointee to the Alaska board of fisheries,” Gease said.
Gease referenced Mumford’s background on the board of game and big game commercial services board as a strength.
“He had a very good reputation for his thorough work, putting the resource first, being approachable, and listening to all sides of a discussion so we look forward to working with him as he transitions to the board of fisheries this year,” Gease said.
United Cook Inlet Drift Association President Dave Martin said he was glad to see the governor chose someone who was resource-oriented and focused on science, and hoped the Legislature would confirm the pick.
Bristol Bay area fishermen said they weren’t familiar with Mumford.
Mumford will serve out the remainder of Johnstone’s term which ends in June, and is also appointed for a new term that begins July 1.
Mumford’s first meeting will likely be May 26. The fish board has a teleconference scheduled to consider adding about 21 Pacific cod proposals to the board’s Bristol Bay meeting this winter.