Moreland Is New Murkowski Aide

Stephanie Moreland, federal fisheries coordinator, extended jurisdiction program manager and economist for the state of Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game, is the new fisheries and Arctic matters aide for Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. She fills the post vacated by the resignation of Arne Fuglvog. Murkowski announced Moreland’s appointment on Oct. 4, saying that Moreland’s expertise and Alaska focus will be a great addition to her staff. Murkowski noted in the announcement that Alaska fisheries are one of the state’s largest economic drivers, employing more people in Alaska than the oil and gas and mining industries combined.

Moreland holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and a master’s degree in resource and applied economics from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Prior to her current post, she worked for the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission. She will join the Murkowski staff in Washington D.C. in early November. Fuglvog, who pleaded guilty to federal fisheries violations, faces 10 months in prison, but has agreed to cooperate with authorities in the case. Former crew members aboard Fuglvog’s vessel told the Alaska Public Radio Network in late September that they tried for years to turn him in for illegal fishing, but felt their efforts were ignored.